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Moura MM, Monteiro A, Salgado AJ, Silva NA, Monteiro S. Disrupted autonomic pathways in spinal cord injury: Implications for the immune regulation. Neurobiol Dis 2024; 195:106500. [PMID: 38614275 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2024.106500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) disrupts critical autonomic pathways responsible for the regulation of the immune function. Consequently, individuals with SCI often exhibit a spectrum of immune dysfunctions ranging from the development of damaging pro-inflammatory responses to severe immunosuppression. Thus, it is imperative to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the extent and mechanisms through which SCI-induced autonomic dysfunction influences the immune response. In this review, we provide an overview of the anatomical organization and physiology of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), elucidating how SCI impacts its function, with a particular focus on lymphoid organs and immune activity. We highlight recent advances in understanding how intraspinal plasticity that follows SCI may contribute to aberrant autonomic activity in lymphoid organs. Additionally, we discuss how sympathetic mediators released by these neuron terminals affect immune cell function. Finally, we discuss emerging innovative technologies and potential clinical interventions targeting the ANS as a strategy to restore the normal regulation of the immune response in individuals with SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria M Moura
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's Associate Lab, PT Government Associated Lab, 4710-057 Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Andreia Monteiro
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's Associate Lab, PT Government Associated Lab, 4710-057 Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - António J Salgado
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's Associate Lab, PT Government Associated Lab, 4710-057 Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Nuno A Silva
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's Associate Lab, PT Government Associated Lab, 4710-057 Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Susana Monteiro
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; ICVS/3B's Associate Lab, PT Government Associated Lab, 4710-057 Braga, Guimarães, Portugal.
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Lloyd DA, Alejandra Gonzalez-Gonzalez M, Romero-Ortega MI. AxoDetect: an automated nerve image segmentation and quantification workflow for computational nerve modeling. J Neural Eng 2024; 21:026017. [PMID: 38457836 PMCID: PMC10976901 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/ad31c3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
Objective.Bioelectronic treatments targeting near-organ innervation have unprecedented clinical applications. Particularly in the spleen, the inhibition of the cholinergic inflammatory response by near-organ nerve stimulation has potential to replace pharmacological treatments in chronic and autoimmune diseases. A caveat is that the optimization of therapeutic stimulation parameters relies onin vivoexperimentation, which becomes challenging due to the small nerve diameters (2 μm), complex anatomy, and mixed axon type composition of the autonomic nerves. Effective development ofin silicomodels requires tools which allow for fast and efficient quantification of axonal composition of specific nerves. Current approaches to generate such information rely on manual image segmentation and quantification.Approach.We developed a combined image-segmentation and model-generation software called AxoDetect: a target- and format-agnostic computer vision algorithm which can segment myelin, endo/epineurium, and both myelinated and unmyelinated fibers from a nerve image without training.Main results.AxoDetect is over 10 times faster on average when compared with current automatic methods while maintaining flexibility through the use of tunable pixel threshold filters to detect different types of tissue. When compared to a distribution-based and a manually segmented model of the splenic nerve terminal branch 1, the model generated with AxoDetect had comparable threshold prediction and was able to accurately detect an increase in activation threshold caused by the addition of surrounding fat tissue to the modeled nerve.Significance.AxoDetect contributes to the acceleration of neuromodulation treatment development through faster model design and iteration without requiring training. Furthermore, the computer vision approach and tunable nature of the filters in our method allow for its use in a variety of histological applications. Our approach will impact not only the study of nerves but also the design of implantable neural interfaces to enhance bioelectronic therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Lloyd
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Biomedical Sciences, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Maria Alejandra Gonzalez-Gonzalez
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Biomedical Sciences, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States of America
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, United States of America
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Mario I Romero-Ortega
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Biomedical Sciences, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States of America
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3
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Alvarez MR, Alkaissi H, Rieger AM, Esber GR, Acosta ME, Stephenson SI, Maurice AV, Valencia LMR, Roman CA, Alarcon JM. The immunomodulatory effect of oral NaHCO 3 is mediated by the splenic nerve: multivariate impact revealed by artificial neural networks. J Neuroinflammation 2024; 21:79. [PMID: 38549144 PMCID: PMC10976719 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-024-03067-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Stimulation of the inflammatory reflex (IR) is a promising strategy for treating systemic inflammatory disorders. Recent studies suggest oral sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) as a potential activator of the IR, offering a safe and cost-effective treatment approach. However, the mechanisms underlying NaHCO3-induced anti-inflammatory effects remain unclear. We investigated whether oral NaHCO3's immunomodulatory effects are mediated by the splenic nerve. Female rats received NaHCO3 or water (H2O) for four days, and splenic immune markers were assessed using flow cytometry. NaHCO3 led to a significant increase (p < 0.05, and/or partial eta squared > 0.06) in anti-inflammatory markers, including CD11bc + CD206 + (M2-like) macrophages, CD3 + CD4 + FoxP3 + cells (Tregs), and Tregs/M1-like ratio. Conversely, proinflammatory markers, such as CD11bc + CD38 + TNFα + (M1-like) macrophages, M1-like/M2-like ratio, and SSChigh/SSClow ratio of FSChighCD11bc + cells, decreased in the spleen following NaHCO3 administration. These effects were abolished in spleen-denervated rats, suggesting the necessity of the splenic nerve in mediating NaHCO3-induced immunomodulation. Artificial neural networks accurately classified NaHCO3 and H2O treatment in sham rats but failed in spleen-denervated rats, highlighting the splenic nerve's critical role. Additionally, spleen denervation independently influenced Tregs, M2-like macrophages, Tregs/M1-like ratio, and CD11bc + CD38 + cells, indicating distinct effects from both surgery and treatment. Principal component analysis (PCA) further supported the separate effects. Our findings suggest that the splenic nerve transmits oral NaHCO3-induced immunomodulatory changes to the spleen, emphasizing NaHCO3's potential as an IR activator with therapeutic implications for a wide spectrum of systemic inflammatory conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena Rodriguez Alvarez
- School of Graduate Studies & Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, USA.
- Department of Rheumatology, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, 450 Clarkson Ave, Brooklyn, NY, 11203, USA.
| | - Hussam Alkaissi
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolic Diseases, NIH/NIDDK, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Aja M Rieger
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Alberta, Canada
| | - Guillem R Esber
- Center for Studies in Behavioral Neurobiology, Concordia University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Manuel E Acosta
- Mathematics and Computer Sciences Department, Barry University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Stacy I Stephenson
- Division of Comparative Medicine, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Allison V Maurice
- Division of Comparative Medicine, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | | | - Christopher A Roman
- Department of Cell Biology, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Juan Marcos Alarcon
- Department of Cell Biology, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, USA
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González-González MA, Conde SV, Latorre R, Thébault SC, Pratelli M, Spitzer NC, Verkhratsky A, Tremblay MÈ, Akcora CG, Hernández-Reynoso AG, Ecker M, Coates J, Vincent KL, Ma B. Bioelectronic Medicine: a multidisciplinary roadmap from biophysics to precision therapies. Front Integr Neurosci 2024; 18:1321872. [PMID: 38440417 PMCID: PMC10911101 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2024.1321872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Bioelectronic Medicine stands as an emerging field that rapidly evolves and offers distinctive clinical benefits, alongside unique challenges. It consists of the modulation of the nervous system by precise delivery of electrical current for the treatment of clinical conditions, such as post-stroke movement recovery or drug-resistant disorders. The unquestionable clinical impact of Bioelectronic Medicine is underscored by the successful translation to humans in the last decades, and the long list of preclinical studies. Given the emergency of accelerating the progress in new neuromodulation treatments (i.e., drug-resistant hypertension, autoimmune and degenerative diseases), collaboration between multiple fields is imperative. This work intends to foster multidisciplinary work and bring together different fields to provide the fundamental basis underlying Bioelectronic Medicine. In this review we will go from the biophysics of the cell membrane, which we consider the inner core of neuromodulation, to patient care. We will discuss the recently discovered mechanism of neurotransmission switching and how it will impact neuromodulation design, and we will provide an update on neuronal and glial basis in health and disease. The advances in biomedical technology have facilitated the collection of large amounts of data, thereby introducing new challenges in data analysis. We will discuss the current approaches and challenges in high throughput data analysis, encompassing big data, networks, artificial intelligence, and internet of things. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the electrochemical properties of neural interfaces, along with the integration of biocompatible and reliable materials and compliance with biomedical regulations for translational applications. Preclinical validation is foundational to the translational process, and we will discuss the critical aspects of such animal studies. Finally, we will focus on the patient point-of-care and challenges in neuromodulation as the ultimate goal of bioelectronic medicine. This review is a call to scientists from different fields to work together with a common endeavor: accelerate the decoding and modulation of the nervous system in a new era of therapeutic possibilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Alejandra González-González
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Silvia V. Conde
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NOVA University, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ramon Latorre
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Stéphanie C. Thébault
- Laboratorio de Investigación Traslacional en salud visual (D-13), Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Querétaro, Mexico
| | - Marta Pratelli
- Neurobiology Department, Kavli Institute for Brain and Mind, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Nicholas C. Spitzer
- Neurobiology Department, Kavli Institute for Brain and Mind, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Alexei Verkhratsky
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Achucarro Centre for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
- Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- International Collaborative Center on Big Science Plan for Purinergic Signaling, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Marie-Ève Tremblay
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Cuneyt G. Akcora
- Department of Computer Science, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, United States
| | | | - Melanie Ecker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, United States
| | | | - Kathleen L. Vincent
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Brandy Ma
- Stanley H. Appel Department of Neurology, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
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D’Haens G, Eberhardson M, Cabrijan Z, Danese S, van den Berg R, Löwenberg M, Fiorino G, Schuurman PR, Lind G, Almqvist P, Olofsson PS, Tracey KJ, Hanauer SB, Zitnik R, Chernoff D, Levine YA. Neuroimmune Modulation Through Vagus Nerve Stimulation Reduces Inflammatory Activity in Crohn's Disease Patients: A Prospective Open-label Study. J Crohns Colitis 2023; 17:1897-1909. [PMID: 37738465 PMCID: PMC10798868 DOI: 10.1093/ecco-jcc/jjad151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Crohn's disease [CD] is a debilitating, inflammatory condition affecting the gastrointestinal tract. There is no cure and sustained clinical and endoscopic remission is achieved by fewer than half of patients with current therapies. The immunoregulatory function of the vagus nerve, the 'inflammatory reflex', has been established in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and biologic-naive CD. The aim of this study was to explore the safety and efficacy of vagus nerve stimulation in patients with treatment-refractory CD, in a 16-week, open-label, multicentre, clinical trial. METHODS A vagus nerve stimulator was implanted in 17 biologic drug-refractory patients with moderately to severely active CD. One patient exited the study pre-treatment, and 16 patients were treated with vagus nerve stimulation [4/16 receiving concomitant biologics] during 16 weeks of induction and 24 months of maintenance treatment. Endpoints included clinical improvement, patient-reported outcomes, objective measures of inflammation [endoscopic/molecular], and safety. RESULTS There was a statistically significant and clinically meaningful decrease in CD Activity Index at Week 16 [mean ± SD: -86.2 ± 92.8, p = 0.003], a significant decrease in faecal calprotectin [-2923 ± 4104, p = 0.015], a decrease in mucosal inflammation in 11/15 patients with paired endoscopies [-2.1 ± 1.7, p = 0.23], and a decrease in serum tumour necrosis factor and interferon-γ [46-52%]. Two quality-of-life indices improved in 7/11 patients treated without biologics. There was one study-related severe adverse event: a postoperative infection requiring device explantation. CONCLUSIONS Neuroimmune modulation via vagus nerve stimulation was generally safe and well tolerated, with a clinically meaningful reduction in clinical disease activity associated with endoscopic improvement, reduced levels of faecal calprotectin and serum cytokines, and improved quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geert D’Haens
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Michael Eberhardson
- Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Zeljko Cabrijan
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Clinical Nutrition, University Hospital Dubrava, Zagreb, Croatia
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of Applied Health Sciences, Zagreb, Croatia
- Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek School of Medicine, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Silvio Danese
- Department of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Italy
- Department of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milano, Italy
| | - Remco van den Berg
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mark Löwenberg
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gionata Fiorino
- Department of Gastroenterology and Digestive Endoscopy, VIta-Salute San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
- IBD Unit, Department of Gastroenterology and Digestive Endoscopy, San Camillo-Forlanini Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Göran Lind
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Neurosurgery, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Per Almqvist
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Neurosurgery, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Neurosurgery Stockholm AB, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Peder S Olofsson
- Department of Medicine, Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, New York
| | - Kevin J Tracey
- Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, New York
- Department of Neurosurgery, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, New York, USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, New York, USA
| | - Stephen B Hanauer
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Northwestern University–Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Ralph Zitnik
- SetPoint Medical, Valencia, California, USA
- Valerio Consulting, Santa Barbara, California, USA
| | | | - Yaakov A Levine
- Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, New York, USA
- SetPoint Medical, Valencia, California, USA
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Montoya G, Wagner K, Ryder G, Naseri ASZ, Faisal SN, Sencadas V, In Het Panhuis M, Spinks GM, Wallace GG, Alici G, Officer DL. Edge-Functionalized Graphene/Polydimethylsiloxane Composite Films for Flexible Neural Cuff Electrodes. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:38833-38845. [PMID: 37537952 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c07525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
The design of neural electrodes has changed in the past decade, driven mainly by the development of new materials that open the possibility of manufacturing electrodes with adaptable mechanical properties and promising electrical properties. In this paper, we report on the mechanical and electrochemical properties of a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) composite with edge-functionalized graphene (EFG) and demonstrate its potential for use in neural implants with the fabrication of a novel neural cuff electrode. We have shown that a 200 μm thick 1:1 EFG/PDMS composite film has a stretchability of up to 20%, a Young's modulus of 2.52 MPa, and a lifetime of more than 10000 mechanical cycles, making it highly suitable for interfacing with soft tissue. Electrochemical characterization of the EFG/PDMS composite film showed that the capacitance of the composite increased up to 35 times after electrochemical reduction, widening the electrochemical water window and remaining stable after soaking for 5 weeks in phosphate buffered saline. The electrochemically activated EFG/PDMS electrode had a 3 times increase in the charge injection capacity, which is more than double that of a commercial platinum-based neural cuff. Electrochemical and spectrochemical investigations supported the conclusion that this effect originated from the stable chemisorption of hydrogen on the graphene surface. The biocompatibility of the composite was confirmed with an in vitro cell culture study using mouse spinal cord cells. Finally, the potential of the EFG/PDMS composite was demonstrated with the fabrication of a novel neural cuff electrode, whose double-layered and open structured design increased the cuff stretchability up to 140%, well beyond that required for an operational neural cuff. In addition, the cuff design offers better integration with neural tissue and simpler nerve fiber installation and locking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerardo Montoya
- School of Mechanical, Materials, Mechatronic and Biomedical Engineering, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Klaudia Wagner
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
- Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Gregory Ryder
- Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Aida Shoushtari Zadeh Naseri
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
- Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Shaikh Nayeem Faisal
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
- Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Vitor Sencadas
- School of Mechanical, Materials, Mechatronic and Biomedical Engineering, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Marc In Het Panhuis
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Geoffrey M Spinks
- School of Mechanical, Materials, Mechatronic and Biomedical Engineering, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
- Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Gordon G Wallace
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
- Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Gursel Alici
- School of Mechanical, Materials, Mechatronic and Biomedical Engineering, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - David L Officer
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
- Intelligent Polymer Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
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Yankovaskaya UI, Korznikova EA, Korpusova SD, Zakharov PV. Mechanical Properties of the Pt-CNT Composite under Uniaxial Deformation: Tension and Compression. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 16:ma16114140. [PMID: 37297274 DOI: 10.3390/ma16114140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Composite materials are gaining increasing attention from researchers worldwide due to their ability to offer tailored properties for various technical challenges. One of these promising fields is metal matrix composites, including carbon-reinforced metals and alloys. These materials allow for the reduction of density while simultaneously enhancing their functional properties. This study is focused on the Pt-CNT composite, its mechanical characteristics, and structural features under uniaxial deformation depending on temperature and mass fractions of carbon nanotube (CNT). The mechanical behavior of platinum reinforced with carbon nanotubes of diameters varying in the interval 6.62-16.55 Å under uniaxial tension and compression deformation has been studied by the molecular dynamics method. Simulations for tensile and compression deformations have been done for all specimens at different temperatures (viz. 300 K, 500 K, 700 K, 900 K, 1100 K, and 1500 K). The calculated mechanical characteristics allow us to conclude that, compared to pure platinum, the Young's modulus increased by about 60%. The results indicate that yield and tensile strength values decreases with increase in temperature for all simulation blocks. This increase was due to the inherent high axial rigidity of CNTs. In this work, these characteristics are calculated for the first time for Pt-CNT. It can be concluded that CNTs can be an effective reinforcing material for composites based on a metal matrix under tensile strain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ustina I Yankovaskaya
- Department of Physics, Polzunov Altai State Technical University, Barnaul 656038, Russia
| | - Elena A Korznikova
- Polytechnic Institute (Branch) in Mirny, North-Eastern Federal University, Mirny 678170, Russia
- Institute for Metals Superplasticity Problems of RAS, Ufa 450001, Russia
| | - Sofia D Korpusova
- Department of Physics, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, St. Petersburg 195251, Russia
| | - Pavel V Zakharov
- Department of Physics, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, St. Petersburg 195251, Russia
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8
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Kirkland JM, Patel I, Ardeshna MS, Kopec AM. Microglial synaptic pruning in the nucleus accumbens during adolescence sex-specifically influences splenic immune outcomes. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.03.539317. [PMID: 37205376 PMCID: PMC10187280 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.03.539317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Strong social support promotes a variety of positive health outcomes in humans and rodent models, while social isolation in rodents shortens lifespan, perceived social isolation (i.e. loneliness) can increase mortality by up to 50% in humans. How social relationships lead to these drastic health effects is unclear, but may involve modulation of the peripheral immune system. The reward circuitry of the brain and social behaviors undergo a critical period of development during adolescence. We published that microglia-mediated synaptic pruning occurs in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) reward region during adolescence to mediate social development in male and female rats. We hypothesized that if reward circuitry activity and social relationships directly impact the peripheral immune system, then natural developmental changes in the reward circuitry and social behaviors during adolescence should also directly impact the peripheral immune system. To test this, we inhibited microglial pruning in the NAc during adolescence, and then collected spleen tissue for mass spectrometry proteomic analysis and ELISA validation. We found that the global proteomic consequences of inhibiting microglial pruning in the NAc were similar between the sexes, but target-specific examination suggests that NAc pruning impacts Th1 cell-related immune markers in the spleen in males, but not females, and broad neurochemical systems in the spleen in females, but not males.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. M. Kirkland
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College
| | - Ishan Patel
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College
| | - Monali S. Ardeshna
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College
| | - Ashley M. Kopec
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College
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Verma N, Knudsen B, Gholston A, Skubal A, Blanz S, Settell M, Frank J, Trevathan J, Ludwig K. Microneurography as a minimally invasive method to assess target engagement during neuromodulation. J Neural Eng 2023; 20:10.1088/1741-2552/acc35c. [PMID: 36898148 PMCID: PMC10587909 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/acc35c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
Objective.Peripheral neural signals recorded during neuromodulation therapies provide insights into local neural target engagement and serve as a sensitive biomarker of physiological effect. Although these applications make peripheral recordings important for furthering neuromodulation therapies, the invasive nature of conventional nerve cuffs and longitudinal intrafascicular electrodes (LIFEs) limit their clinical utility. Furthermore, cuff electrodes typically record clear asynchronous neural activity in small animal models but not in large animal models. Microneurography, a minimally invasive technique, is already used routinely in humans to record asynchronous neural activity in the periphery. However, the relative performance of microneurography microelectrodes compared to cuff and LIFE electrodes in measuring neural signals relevant to neuromodulation therapies is not well understood.Approach.To address this gap, we recorded cervical vagus nerve electrically evoked compound action potentials (ECAPs) and spontaneous activity in a human-scaled large animal model-the pig. Additionally, we recorded sensory evoked activity and both invasively and non-invasively evoked CAPs from the great auricular nerve. In aggregate, this study assesses the potential of microneurography electrodes to measure neural activity during neuromodulation therapies with statistically powered and pre-registered outcomes (https://osf.io/y9k6j).Main results.The cuff recorded the largest ECAP signal (p< 0.01) and had the lowest noise floor amongst the evaluated electrodes. Despite the lower signal to noise ratio, microneurography electrodes were able to detect the threshold for neural activation with similar sensitivity to cuff and LIFE electrodes once a dose-response curve was constructed. Furthermore, the microneurography electrodes recorded distinct sensory evoked neural activity.Significance.The results show that microneurography electrodes can measure neural signals relevant to neuromodulation therapies. Microneurography could further neuromodulation therapies by providing a real-time biomarker to guide electrode placement and stimulation parameter selection to optimize local neural fiber engagement and study mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nishant Verma
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States of America
- Wisconsin Institute for Translational Neuroengineering (WITNe), Madison, WI, United States of America
| | - Bruce Knudsen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States of America
- Wisconsin Institute for Translational Neuroengineering (WITNe), Madison, WI, United States of America
| | - Aaron Gholston
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States of America
- Wisconsin Institute for Translational Neuroengineering (WITNe), Madison, WI, United States of America
| | - Aaron Skubal
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States of America
- Wisconsin Institute for Translational Neuroengineering (WITNe), Madison, WI, United States of America
| | - Stephan Blanz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States of America
- Wisconsin Institute for Translational Neuroengineering (WITNe), Madison, WI, United States of America
| | - Megan Settell
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States of America
- Wisconsin Institute for Translational Neuroengineering (WITNe), Madison, WI, United States of America
| | - Jennifer Frank
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States of America
| | - James Trevathan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States of America
- Wisconsin Institute for Translational Neuroengineering (WITNe), Madison, WI, United States of America
| | - Kip Ludwig
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States of America
- Wisconsin Institute for Translational Neuroengineering (WITNe), Madison, WI, United States of America
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States of America
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10
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Alvarez MR, Alarcon JM, Roman CA, Lazaro D, Bobrowski-Khoury N, Baena-Caldas GP, Esber GR. Can a basic solution activate the inflammatory reflex? A review of potential mechanisms, opportunities, and challenges. Pharmacol Res 2023; 187:106525. [PMID: 36441036 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Stimulation of the inflammatory reflex (IR) is a promising strategy to treat systemic inflammatory disorders. However, this strategy is hindered by the cost and side effects of traditional IR activators. Recently, oral intake of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) has been suggested to activate the IR, providing a safe and inexpensive alternative. Critically, the mechanisms whereby NaHCO3 might achieve this effect and more broadly the pathways underlying the IR remain poorly understood. Here, we argue that the recognition of NaHCO3 as a potential IR activator presents exciting clinical and research opportunities. To aid this quest, we provide an integrative review of our current knowledge of the neural and cellular pathways mediating the IR and discuss the status of physiological models of IR activation. From this vantage point, we derive testable hypotheses on potential mechanisms whereby NaHCO3 might stimulate the IR and compare NaHCO3 with classic IR activators. Elucidation of these mechanisms will help determine the therapeutic value of NaHCO3 as an IR activator and provide new insights into the IR circuitry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena Rodriguez Alvarez
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, USA.
| | - Juan Marcos Alarcon
- Department of Pathology, The Robert F. Furchgott Center for Neural and Behavioral Science, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, 450 Clarkson Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA
| | - Christopher A Roman
- Department of Cell Biology, State University of New York (SUNY) Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA
| | - Deana Lazaro
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Veterans Affairs New York Harbor Healthcare System, Brooklyn, NY, USA
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11
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Simon T, Kirk J, Dolezalova N, Guyot M, Panzolini C, Bondue A, Lavergne J, Hugues S, Hypolite N, Saeb-Parsy K, Perkins J, Macia E, Sridhar A, Vervoordeldonk MJ, Glaichenhaus N, Donegá M, Blancou P. The cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway inhibits inflammation without lymphocyte relay. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1125492. [PMID: 37123375 PMCID: PMC10140439 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1125492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The magnitude of innate inflammatory immune responses is dependent on interactions between peripheral neural and immune cells. In particular, a cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (CAP) has been identified in the spleen whereby noradrenaline (NA) released by splenic nerves binds to ß2-adrenergic receptors (β2-AR) on CD4+ T cells which, in turn, release acetylcholine (ACh). The binding of ACh to α7 acetylcholine receptors (α7-AChR) expressed by splenic macrophages inhibits the production of inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor (TNF). However, the role of ACh-secreting CD4+ T-cells in the CAP is still controversial and largely based on the absence of this anti-inflammatory pathway in mice lacking T-cells (nude, FoxN1-/-). Using four conscious, non-lymphopenic transgenic mouse models, we found that, rather than acting on CD4+ T-cells, NA released by splenic nerve terminals acts directly onto β2-AR on splenic myeloid cells to exert this anti-inflammatory effect. We also show that, while larger doses of LPS are needed to trigger CAP in nude mouse strain compared to other strains, TNF production can be inhibited in these animals lacking CD4+ T-cell by stimulating either the vagus or the splenic nerve. We demonstrate that CD4+ T-cells are dispensable for the CAP after antibody-mediated CD4+ T-cell depletion in wild type mice. Furthermore, we found that NA-mediated inhibition of in vitro LPS-induced TNF secretion by human or porcine splenocytes does not require α7-AChR signaling. Altogether our data demonstrate that activation of the CAP by stimulation of vagus or splenic nerves in mice is mainly mediated by direct binding of NA to β2-AR on splenic macrophages, and suggest that the same mechanism is at play in larger species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Simon
- Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS, Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology Institute, Valbonne, France
| | - Joseph Kirk
- The Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | - Nikola Dolezalova
- Department of Surgery, University of Cambridge and NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Mélanie Guyot
- Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS, Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology Institute, Valbonne, France
| | | | - Alexandre Bondue
- Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS, Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology Institute, Valbonne, France
| | - Julien Lavergne
- Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS, Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology Institute, Valbonne, France
| | | | - Nicolas Hypolite
- Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS, Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology Institute, Valbonne, France
| | - Kourosh Saeb-Parsy
- Department of Surgery, University of Cambridge and NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Justin Perkins
- Galvani Bioelectronics, Translational Sciences, Stevenage, United Kingdom
| | - Eric Macia
- Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS, Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology Institute, Valbonne, France
| | - Arun Sridhar
- Galvani Bioelectronics, Translational Sciences, Stevenage, United Kingdom
| | | | - Nicolas Glaichenhaus
- Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS, Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology Institute, Valbonne, France
| | - Matteo Donegá
- Galvani Bioelectronics, Translational Sciences, Stevenage, United Kingdom
| | - Philippe Blancou
- Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS, Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology Institute, Valbonne, France
- *Correspondence: Philippe Blancou,
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12
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Xu M, Zhao Y, Xu G, Zhang Y, Sun S, Sun Y, Wang J, Pei R. Recent Development of Neural Microelectrodes with Dual-Mode Detection. BIOSENSORS 2022; 13:59. [PMID: 36671894 PMCID: PMC9856135 DOI: 10.3390/bios13010059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Neurons communicate through complex chemical and electrophysiological signal patterns to develop a tight information network. A physiological or pathological event cannot be explained by signal communication mode. Therefore, dual-mode electrodes can simultaneously monitor the chemical and electrophysiological signals in the brain. They have been invented as an essential tool for brain science research and brain-computer interface (BCI) to obtain more important information and capture the characteristics of the neural network. Electrochemical sensors are the most popular methods for monitoring neurochemical levels in vivo. They are combined with neural microelectrodes to record neural electrical activity. They simultaneously detect the neurochemical and electrical activity of neurons in vivo using high spatial and temporal resolutions. This paper systematically reviews the latest development of neural microelectrodes depending on electrode materials for simultaneous in vivo electrochemical sensing and electrophysiological signal recording. This includes carbon-based microelectrodes, silicon-based microelectrode arrays (MEAs), and ceramic-based MEAs, focusing on the latest progress since 2018. In addition, the structure and interface design of various types of neural microelectrodes have been comprehensively described and compared. This could be the key to simultaneously detecting electrochemical and electrophysiological signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Xu
- CAS Key Laboratory for Nano-Bio Interface, Division of Nano-biomedicine, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics (SINANO), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215123, China
- School of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei 230026, China
| | - Yuewu Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory for Nano-Bio Interface, Division of Nano-biomedicine, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics (SINANO), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Guanghui Xu
- School of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei 230026, China
| | - Yuehu Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory for Nano-Bio Interface, Division of Nano-biomedicine, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics (SINANO), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215123, China
- School of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei 230026, China
| | - Shengkai Sun
- CAS Key Laboratory for Nano-Bio Interface, Division of Nano-biomedicine, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics (SINANO), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Yan Sun
- CAS Key Laboratory for Nano-Bio Interface, Division of Nano-biomedicine, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics (SINANO), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215123, China
- School of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei 230026, China
| | - Jine Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory for Nano-Bio Interface, Division of Nano-biomedicine, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics (SINANO), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215123, China
- School of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei 230026, China
| | - Renjun Pei
- CAS Key Laboratory for Nano-Bio Interface, Division of Nano-biomedicine, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics (SINANO), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215123, China
- School of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei 230026, China
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