From mice to humans:a need for comparable results in mammalian neuroplasticity

Brain plasticity-A universal tool with many variations:The study of brain plasticity has been gaining interest since almost a century and has now reached a huge amount of information(>80,000 results in PubMed).Overall,different types of plasticity,including stem cell-driven genesis of new neurons(adult neurogenesis),cells in arrested maturation(dormant neurons),neuro-glial and synaptic plasticity,can coexist and contribute to grant plastic changes in the brain,from a cellular to system level(Benedetti and Couillard-Despres,2022;Bonfanti et al.,2023).

Contribution of mechanical forces to structural synaptic plasticity:insights from 3D cellular motility mechanisms

Cells,tissues,and organs are constantly subjected to the action of mechanical forces from the extracellular environment-and the nervous system is no exception.Cell-intrinsic properties such as membrane lipid composition,abundance of mechanosensors,and cytoskeletal dynamics make cells more or less likely to sense these forces.Intrinsic and extrinsic cues are integrated by cells and this combined information determines the rate and dynamics of membrane protrusion growth or retraction(Yamada and Sixt,2019).Cell protrusions are extensions of the plasma membrane that play crucial roles in diverse contexts such as cell migration and neuronal synapse formation.In the nervous system,neurons are highly dynamic cells that can change the size and number of their pre-and postsynaptic elements(called synaptic boutons and dendritic spines,respectively),in response to changes in the levels of synaptic activity through a process called plasticity.Synaptic plasticity is a hallmark of the nervous system and is present throughout our lives,being required for functions like memory formation or the learning of new motor skills(Minegishi et al.,2023;Pillai and Franze,2024).

Neurogenesis dynamics in the olfactory bulb:deciphering circuitry organization, function, and adaptive plasticity

Adult neurogenesis persists after birth in the subventricular zone, with new neurons migrating to the granule cell layer and glomerular layers of the olfactory bulb, where they integrate into existing circuitry as inhibitory interneurons. The generation of these new neurons in the olfactory bulb supports both structural and functional plasticity, aiding in circuit remodeling triggered by memory and learning processes. However, the presence of these neurons, coupled with the cellular diversity within the olfactory bulb, presents an ongoing challenge in understanding its network organization and function. Moreover,the continuous integration of new neurons in the olfactory bulb plays a pivotal role in regulating olfactory information processing. This adaptive process responds to changes in epithelial composition and contributes to the formation of olfactory memories by modulating cellular connectivity within the olfactory bulb and interacting intricately with higher-order brain regions. The role of adult neurogenesis in olfactory bulb functions remains a topic of debate. Nevertheless, the functionality of the olfactory bulb is intricately linked to the organization of granule cells around mitral and tufted cells. This organizational pattern significantly impacts output, network behavior, and synaptic plasticity, which are crucial for olfactory perception and memory. Additionally, this organization is further shaped by axon terminals originating from cortical and subcortical regions. Despite the crucial role of olfactory bulb in brain functions and behaviors related to olfaction, these complex and highly interconnected processes have not been comprehensively studied as a whole. Therefore, this manuscript aims to discuss our current understanding and explore how neural plasticity and olfactory neurogenesis contribute to enhancing the adaptability of the olfactory system. These mechanisms are thought to support olfactory learning and memory, potentially through increased complexity and restructuring of neural network structures, as well as the addition of new granule granule cells that aid in olfactory adaptation. Additionally, the manuscript underscores the importance of employing precise methodologies to elucidate the specific roles of adult neurogenesis amidst conflicting data and varying experimental paradigms. Understanding these processes is essential for gaining insights into the complexities of olfactory function and behavior.

The interaction between KIF21A and KANK1 regulates dendritic morphology and synapse plasticity in neurons

Morphological alterations in dendritic spines have been linked to changes in functional communication between neurons that affect learning and memory.Kinesin-4 KIF21A helps organize the microtubule-actin network at the cell cortex by interacting with KANK1;however,whether KIF21A modulates dendritic structure and function in neurons remains unknown.In this study,we found that KIF21A was distributed in a subset of dendritic spines,and that these KIF21A-positive spines were larger and more structurally plastic than KIF21A-negative spines.Furthermore,the interaction between KIF21A and KANK1 was found to be critical for dendritic spine morphogenesis and synaptic plasticity.Knockdown of either KIF21A or KANK1 inhibited dendritic spine morphogenesis and dendritic branching,and these deficits were fully rescued by coexpressing full-length KIF21A or KANK1,but not by proteins with mutations disrupting direct binding between KIF21A and KANK1 or binding between KANK1 and talin1.Knocking down KIF21A in the hippocampus of rats inhibited the amplitudes of long-term potentiation induced by high-frequency stimulation and negatively impacted the animals’cognitive abilities.Taken together,our findings demonstrate the function of KIF21A in modulating spine morphology and provide insight into its role in synaptic function.

Practice patterns among ophthalmic surgeons in treating concomitant oculoplastic conditions in preoperative period:A questionnaire-based study

BACKGROUND Addressing oculoplastic conditions in the preoperative period ensures both the safety and functional success of any ophthalmic procedure.Some oculoplastic conditions,like nasolacrimal duct obstruction,have been extensively studied,whereas others,like eyelid malposition and thyroid eye disease,have received minimal or no research.AIM To investigate the current practice patterns among ophthalmologists while treating concomitant oculoplastic conditions before any subspecialty ophthalmic intervention.METHODS A cross-sectional survey was disseminated among ophthalmologists all over India.The survey included questions related to pre-operative evaluation,anaesthetic and surgical techniques preferred,post-operative care,the use of adjunctive therapies,and patient follow-up patterns.RESULTS A total of 180 ophthalmologists responded to the survey.Most practitioners(89%)felt that the ROPLAS test was sufficient during pre-operative evaluation before any subspecialty surgery was advised.The most common surgical techniques employed were lacrimal drainage procedures(Dacryocystorhinostomy)(63.3%),eyelid malposition repair(36.9%),and ptosis repair(58.7%).Post-operatively,47.7%of respondents emphasized that at least a 4-week gap should be maintained after lacrimal drainage procedures and eyelid surgeries.Sixty-seven percent of ophthalmologists felt that topical anaesthetic procedures should be preferred while performing ocular surgeries in thyroid eye disease patients.CONCLUSION Approximately 50%of ophthalmologists handle prevalent oculoplastic issues themselves,seeking the expertise of an oculoplastic surgeon under particular conditions.Many ophthalmologists still favor using ROPLAS as a preliminary screening method before proceeding with cataract surgery.Eyelid conditions and thyroid eye disease are not as commonly addressed before subspecialty procedures compared to issues like nasolacrimal duct obstruction and periocular infections.

Microplastic and nanoplastic exposure and risk of diabetes mellitus

The issue of plastic pollutants has become a growing concern.Both microplastics(MPs)(particle size<5 mm)and nanoplastics(NPs)(particle size<1μm)can cause DNA damage,cytotoxicity,and oxidative stress in various organisms.The primary known impacts of microplastic/nanoplastic are observed in the liver and respiratory system,leading to hepatotoxicity and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.Although research on the effects of MPs and NPs on diabetes is still in its early stages,there are potential concerns.This editorial highlights the risk to diabetics from co-exposure to contaminants and MPs/NPs,supported by evidence from animal studies and the various chemical compositions of MPs/NPs.

Determination of Different Trace Heavy Metals in Children’s Plastic Toys Imported to the West Bank/Palestine by ICP/MS-Environmental and Health Aspects

The main aim of this study is to assess the quality of inexpensive plastic toys imported to Palestinian Markets. The content of heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cr, Hg, As, Se, Ba, and Zn) was analyzed in 50 plastic toys purchased from local markets in Palestine and 17 plastic toys purchased from Israeli markets for comparison. After the digestion of samples with concentrated nitric acids and hydrogen peroxide using a microwave digester, the concentrations of the selected heavy metals were determined by ICP-MS Agilent 7500 in Al-Quds University. Results revealed that 40% of the Palestinian toy samples had high concentration (above international limits) of Pb, 30% of Cd, 34% of Cr, 6% of Hg, 42% of As, 32% of Se, 20% of Ba, and 40% of Zn. On the other hand, 95% of the Israeli samples were safe, and their concentrations were less than the maximum internationally allowable limits. In the same context, ten toy samples (2.5 gm each) had been crushed and dipped for 8 hours in a solution of artificial saliva. The solution was acidified and tested for heavy metal concentrations, but none of the migration concentrations exceeded the international maximum allowable limit. High levels of heavy metal concentrations, found in the plastic toys from the Palestinian markets could form a health hazard to children and put their lives at risk. It could be also an indirect source for environmental pollution.

Plasticity of leaf morphology of Bruguiera sexangula to salinity zones in Bangladesh's Sundarbans

Bruguiera sexangula(Lour.)Poir is an exclusive evergreen mangrove species to the Sundarbans of Bangladesh.It grows well in moderate saline zones with full sunlight.This study presents leaf morphological plasticity in B.sexangula to saline zones.Leaves were sampled from different saline zones and various morphological traits were measured.The results exposed a wide deviations of leaf size parameters:leaf length varied 6.6–17.3 cm;width 2.7–7.8 cm;upper quarter width 2.2–6.5 cm;down quarter width 2.5–7.3 cm;and petiole length 0.17–1.43 cm.Leaf length was significantly larger in fresh water than in other salinity zones,whereas,leaf width,upper and lower leaf quarters were significantly larger in medium saline zone.Leaf shape parameters showed a large variation among saline zones.Leaf base angle was significantly larger in both medium and strong salinity zones.Tip angle was significantly greater in medium salinity zone.Leaf perimeter was significantly larger in fresh water but leaf area was significantly bigger in medium saline zone.Leaf index and specific leaf area were maximum in moderate saline zone.Plasticity index was the highest in moderate saline for almost all the parameters presented.The ordination(PCA)showed clusters of leaf samples although there were some overlap among them which suggested a salt-stress relationship among salinity zones.The results indicate that B.sexangula had a plasticity strategy on leaf morphological parameters to salinity in the Sundarbans.This study will provide basic information of leaf plasticity of this species among saline zones which will help for site selection of coastal planting and will also provide information for policy makers to take necessary steps for its conservation.

A phenomenological model for plastic flow behavior of rotating band material with a large temperature range

The plastic flow behavior of the rotating band material is investigated in this paper. The rotating band material is processed from H96 brass alloy, which is hardened to a much higher yield strength compared to the annealed one. The dynamically uniaxial compression behavior of the material is tested using the split Hopkinson pressure bar(SHPB) with temperature and strain rate ranging from 297 to 1073 K and500 to 3000 s^(-1), respectively, and a phenomenological plastic flow stress model is developed to describe the mechanical behavior of the material. The material is found to present noticeable temperature sensitivity and weak strain-rate sensitivity. The construction of the plastic flow stress model has two steps. Firstly, three univariate stress functions, taking plastic strain, plastic strain rate and temperature as independent variable, respectively, are proposed by fixing the other two variables. Then, as the three univariate functions describe the special cases of flow stress behavior under various conditions, the principle of stress compatibility is adopted to obtain the complete flow stress function. The numerical results show that the proposed plastic flow stress model is more suitable for the rotating band material than the existing well-known models.

Calculation of temperature distribution in adiabatic shear band based on gradient-dependent plasticity

A method for calculation of temperature distribution in adiabatic shear band is proposed in terms of gradient-dependent plasticity where the characteristic length describes the interactions and interplaying among microstructures. First, the increment of the plastic shear strain distribution in adiabatic shear band is obtained based on gradient-dependent plasticity. Then, the plastic work distribution is derived according to the current flow shear stress and the obtained increment of plastic shear strain distribution. In the light of the well-known assumption that 90% of plastic work is converted into the heat resulting in increase in temperature in adiabatic shear band, the increment of the temperature distribution is presented. Next, the average temperature increment in the shear band is calculated to compute the change in flow shear stress due to the thermal softening effect. After the actual flow shear stress considering the thermal softening effect is obtained according to the Johnson-Cook constitutive relation, the increment of the plastic shear strain distribution, the plastic work and the temperature in the next time step are recalculated until the total time is consumed. Summing the temperature distribution leads to rise in the total temperature distribution. The present calculated maximum temperature in adiabatic shear band in titanium agrees with the experimental observations. Moreover, the temperature profiles for different flow shear stresses are qualitatively consistent with experimental and numerical results. Effects of some related parameters on the temperature distribution are also predicted.

Numerical simulation of shear band localization in geotechnical materials based on a nonlocal plasticity model

A new nonlocal plasticity model,which is based on the integral-type nonlocal model and the cubic representative volumetric element（RVE）,is proposed to simulate shear band localization in geotechnical materials such as soils and rocks.An algorithm is developed to solve the resulting nonlinear system of equations.In this algorithm,the nonlocal averaging of plastic strain over the RVE is evaluated using C0 elements instead of using C1 elements to solve the second-order gradient of plastic strains.To obtain the average plastic strain,a set of special elements,called the nonlocal elements,are constructed to approximate the RVE.The updating of average stresses of the local element is based on the nonlocal plastic strain of the corresponding nonlocal elements.Numerical examples show that meshindependent results can be achieved using the proposed model and the algorithm,and the thickness of the shear band is insensitive to the mesh refinement.

Neural stem cells promote neuroplasticity: a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease

Recent studies have demonstrated that neuroplasticity,such as synaptic plasticity and neurogenesis,exists throughout the normal lifespan but declines with age and is significantly impaired in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease.Hence,promoting neuroplasticity may represent an effective strategy with which Alzheimer’s disease can be alleviated.Due to their significant ability to self-renew,differentiate,and migrate,neural stem cells play an essential role in reversing synaptic and neuronal damage,reducing the pathology of Alzheimer’s disease,including amyloid-β,tau protein,and neuroinflammation,and secreting neurotrophic factors and growth factors that are related to plasticity.These events can promote synaptic plasticity and neurogenesis to repair the microenvironment of the mammalian brain.Consequently,neural stem cells are considered to represent a potential regenerative therapy with which to improve Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative diseases.In this review,we discuss how neural stem cells regulate neuroplasticity and optimize their effects to enhance their potential for treating Alzheimer’s disease in the clinic.

Adsorption of Indigo Carmine Dye by Composite Activated Carbons Prepared from Plastic Waste (PET) and Banana Pseudo Stem

This study is on the adsorption of indigo carmine dye by composite activated carbons prepared from banana pseudo stems and plastic waste. The activated carbons named TB1P1, TB1P1h and TB2P1 were obtained by pyrolysis at 700°C under steam of raw materials at different ratios (1:1 and 2:1). They were characterized by different techniques such as SEM/EDX, Raman Spectroscopy, FTIR, XRD, TGA/DTA and BET/BJH. Analyses indicate amorphous structures with specific surface areas of 424.37;385.45 and 338.84 m2/g for TB1P1, TB1P1h and TB2P1 respectively. The study of the adsorption of indigo carmine dye by these adsorbents was carried out by varying parameters such as contact time, mass of adsorbent and initial concentration of the dye. The maximum retention is 94.71%, 86.18% and 84.17% for TB1P1, TB1P1h and TB2P1 respectively after 60 min of stirring, for a pH = 4.6 using 0.6 g of adsorbents. The adsorption of indigo carmine follows well, the Langmuir model, with the most suitable kinetics as pseudo second order.

Upcycling plastic wastes into value-added products via electrocatalysis and photoelectrocatalysis

Plastic,renowned for its versatility,durability,and cost-effectiveness,is indispensable in modern society.Nevertheless,the annual production of nearly 400 million tons of plastic,coupled with a recycling rate of only 9%,has led to a monumental environmental crisis.Plastic recycling has emerged as a vital response to this crisis,offering sustainable solutions to mitigate its environmental impact.Among these recycling efforts,plastic upcycling has garnered attention,which elevates discarded plastics into higher-value products.Here,electrocatalytic and photoelectrocatalytic treatments stand at the forefront of advanced plastic upcycling.Electrocatalytic or photoelectrocatalytic treatments involve chemical reactions that facilitate electron transfer through the electrode/electrolyte interface,driven by electrical or solar energy,respectively.These methods enable precise control of chemical reactions,harnessing potential,current density,or light to yield valuable chemical products.This review explores recent progress in plastic upcycling through electrocatalytic and photoelectrocatalytic pathways,offering promising solutions to the plastic waste crisis and advancing sustainability in the plastics industry.

Lymphatic plastic bronchitis and primary chylothorax: A study based on computed tomography lymphangiography

BACKGROUND This study presents an evaluation of the computed tomography lymphangio-graphy(CTL)features of lymphatic plastic bronchitis(PB)and primary chylotho-rax to improve the diagnostic accuracy for these two diseases.AIM To improve the diagnosis of lymphatic PB or primary chylothorax,a retrospective analysis of the clinical features and CTL characteristics of 71 patients diagnosed with lymphatic PB or primary chylothorax was performed.METHODS The clinical and CTL data of 71 patients(20 with lymphatic PB,41 with primary chylothorax,and 10 with lymphatic PB with primary chylothorax)were collected retrospectively.CTL was performed in all patients.The clinical manifestations,CTL findings,and conventional chest CT findings of the three groups of patients were compared.The chi-square test or Fisher's exact test was used to compare the differences among the three groups.A difference was considered to be statistically significant when P<0.05.RESULTS(1)The percentages of abnormal contrast medium deposits on CTL in the three groups were as follows:Thoracic duct outlet in 14(70.0%),33(80.5%)and 8(80.0%)patients;peritracheal region in 18(90.0%),15(36.6%)and 8(80.0%)patients;pleura in 6(30.0%),33(80.5%)and 9(90.0%)patients;pericardium in 6(30.0%),6(14.6%)and 4(40.0%)patients;and hilum in 16(80.0%),11(26.8%)and 7(70.0%)patients;and(2)the abnormalities on conven-tional chest CT in the three groups were as follows:Ground-glass opacity in 19(95.0%),18(43.9%)and 8(80.0%)patients;atelectasis in 4(20.0%),26(63.4%)and 7(70.0%)patients;interlobular septal thickening in 12(60.0%),11(26.8%)and 3(30.0%)patients;bronchovascular bundle thickening in 14(70.0%),6(14.6%)and 4(40.0%)patients;localized mediastinal changes in 14(70.0%),14(34.1%),and 7(70.0%)patients;diffuse mediastinal changes in 6(30.0%),5(12.2%),and 3(30.0%)patients;cystic lesions in the axilla in 2(10.0%),6(14.6%),and 2(20.0%)patients;and cystic lesions in the chest wall in 0(0%),2(4.9%),and 2(4.9%)patients.CONCLUSION CTL is well suited to clarify the characteristics of lymphatic PB and primary chylothorax.This method is an excellent tool for diagnosing these two diseases.

3'-Deoxyadenosin alleviates methamphetamine-induced aberrant synaptic plasticity and seeking behavior by inhibiting the NLRP3 inflammasome

Methamphetamine addiction is a brain disorder characterized by persistent drug-seeking behavior, which has been linked with aberrant synaptic plasticity. An increasing body of evidence suggests that aberrant synaptic plasticity is associated with the activation of the NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing-3(NLRP3) inflammasome. 3′-Deoxyadenosin, an active component of the Chinese fungus Cordyceps militaris, has strong anti-inflammatory effects. However, whether 3′-deoxyadenosin attenuates methamphetamine-induced aberrant synaptic plasticity via an NLRP3-mediated inflammatory mechanism remains unclear. We first observed that 3′-deoxyadenosin attenuated conditioned place preference scores in methamphetamine-treated mice and decreased the expression of c-fos in hippocampal neurons. Furthermore, we found that 3′-deoxyadenosin reduced the aberrant potentiation of glutamatergic transmission and restored the methamphetamine-induced impairment of synaptic plasticity. We also found that 3′-deoxyadenosin decreased the expression of NLRP3 and neuronal injury. Importantly, a direct NLRP3 deficiency reduced methamphetamine-induced seeking behavior, attenuated the impaired synaptic plasticity, and prevented neuronal damage. Finally, NLRP3 activation reversed the effect of 3′-deoxyadenosin on behavior and synaptic plasticity, suggesting that the anti-neuroinflammatory mechanism of 3′-deoxyadenosin on aberrant synaptic plasticity reduces methamphetamine-induced seeking behavior. Taken together, 3′-deoxyadenosin alleviates methamphetamine-induced aberrant synaptic plasticity and seeking behavior by inhibiting the NLRP3 inflammasome.

Temperature distribution in adiabatic shear band for ductile metal based on JOHNSON-COOK and gradient plasticity models

Gradient-dependent plasticity considering interactions and interplay among microstructures was included into JOHNSON-COOK model to calculate the temperature distribution in adiabatic shear band(ASB), the peak and average temperatures as well as their evolutions. The differential local plastic shear strain was derived to calculate the differential local plastic work and the temperature rise due to the microstructural effect. The total temperature in ASB is the sum of initial temperature, temperature rise at strain-hardening stage and non-uniform temperature due to the microstructural effect beyond the peak shear stress. The flow shear stress—average plastic shear strain curve, the temperature distribution, the peak and average temperatures in ASB are computed for Ti-6Al-4V. When the imposed shear strain is less than 2 and the shear strain rate is 1 000 s?1, the dynamic recovery and recrystalliza-tion processes occur. However, without the microstructural effect, the processes might have not occurred since heat diffusion decreases the temperature in ASB. The calculated maximum temperature approaches 1 500 K so that phase transformation might take place. The present predictions support the previously experimental results showing that the transformed and deformed ASBs are observed in Ti-6Al-4V. Higher shear strain rate enhances the possibility of dynamic recrystallization and phase transformation.

The Future of Plasticizers: Biobased and Oligomeric

The deficiencies of popular phthalate plasticizers(ready migration from a polymer matrix into which they have been incorporated,flammability,environmental pollution,human health risks)have stimulated efforts to develop new effective,nonmigrating,low-cost,nontoxic replacements.In the main,these have been based on readilyavailable,nontoxic biobased precursors.Some,including those prepared from plant oils,have been generated from biomaterials themselves.However,the more numerous and generally more effective have been generated from discrete compounds produced from various biomaterials.Several structural features of effective plasticizers have been recognized.Polar functionality is required to assure compatibility with a wide range of polymeric materials,including poly(vinyl chloride)(PVC),the most heavily plasticized polymer.A branched structure greatly enhances the effectiveness of compounds used as plasticizers.An oligomeric structure may strongly limit or prevent migration from a polymer matrix.Hyperbranched oligomers of defined structure derived from the readilyavailable,inexpensive,nontoxic biomonomers,glycerol and adipic acid contain all these features and are excellent plasticizers.They contain ester functionality,are highly branched,and display a large number of end groups,all of which contribute to their effectiveness as plasticizers.

Recent Advance in Synaptic Plasticity Modulation Techniques for Neuromorphic Applications

Manipulating the expression of synaptic plasticity of neuromorphic devices provides fascinating opportunities to develop hardware platforms for artifi-cial intelligence.However,great efforts have been devoted to exploring biomimetic mechanisms of plasticity simulation in the last few years.Recent progress in various plasticity modulation techniques has pushed the research of synaptic electronics from static plasticity simulation to dynamic plasticity modulation,improving the accuracy of neuromorphic computing and providing strategies for implementing neuromorphic sensing functions.Herein,several fascinating strategies for synap-tic plasticity modulation through chemical techniques,device structure design,and physical signal sensing are reviewed.For chemical techniques,the underly-ing mechanisms for the modification of functional materials were clarified and its effect on the expression of synaptic plasticity was also highlighted.Based on device structure design,the reconfigurable operation of neuromorphic devices was well demonstrated to achieve programmable neuromorphic functions.Besides,integrating the sensory units with neuromorphic processing circuits paved a new way to achieve human-like intelligent perception under the modulation of physical signals such as light,strain,and temperature.Finally,considering that the relevant technology is still in the basic exploration stage,some prospects or development suggestions are put forward to promote the development of neuromorphic devices.

Plastic Ban Green Light Malawi’s five-year legal battle to ban plastic bags is finally over

Malawians used to carry their gro-ceries around in single-use plas-tic bags of less than 60 microns.But soon,an alternative plan&nbsp;will be in force.As of August this year,the Supreme Court of Appeal issued a ban on use of plastic bags countrywide,marking a victory for environmentalists.But the ban has come at quite a price,both cost-wise and time-wise.Since 2015,the Malawian Government has been trying to implement the ban,which was repeatedly blocked.