Resveratrol improves cognitive function in mice by increasing production of insulin-like growth factor-I in the hippocampus

We examined whether resveratrol increases insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) production in the hippocampus by stimulating sensory neurons in the gastrointestinal tract, thereby improving cognitive function in mice. Resveratrol increased calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) release from dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons isolated from wild-type (WT) mice. Increases in tissue levels of CGRP, IGF-I, and IGF-I mRNA and immunohistochemical expression of IGF-I were observed in the hippocampus at 3 weeks after oral administration of resveratrol in WT mice. Significant enhancement of angiogenesis and neurogenesis was observed in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus in these animals (P<.01). Improvement of spatial learning in the Morris water maze was observed in WT mice after administration of resveratrol. None of the effects of resveratrol observed in WT mice were seen after resveratrol administration in CGRP-knockout (CGRP^−/−) mice. Although red wine containing 20 mg/L of resveratrol produced effects similar to those of resveratrol administrationl in WT mice, neither red wine containing 3.1 mg/L of resveratrol nor white wine exhibited such effects in WT mice. Resveratrol was undetectable in the hippocampus of WT mice administered resveratrol and red wine containing 20 mg/L of resveratrol. These observations strongly suggest that resveratrol increases hippocampal IGF-I production via sensory neuron stimulation in the gastrointestinal tract, thereby improving cognitive function in mice.     

Cognitive individualism and the child as scientist program

In this paper, I examine the charge that Gopnik and Meltzoff’s ‘Child as Scientist’ program, outlined and defended in their 1997 book Words, Thoughts and Theories is vitiated by a form of ‘cognitive individualism’ about science. Although this charge has often been leveled at Gopnik and Meltzoff’s work, it has rarely been developed in any detail.I suggest that we should distinguish between two forms of cognitive individualism which I refer to as ‘ontic’ and ‘epistemic’ cognitive individualism (OCI and ECI respectively). I then argue - contra Ronald Giere – that Gopnik and Meltzoff’s commitment to OCI is relatively unproblematic, since it is an easily detachable part of their view. By contrast, and despite their explicit discussion of the issue, their commitment to ECI is much more problematic.     

认知风格、内外向和情绪对军人认知反应能力的影响

该文主要通过测评研究认知风格、内外向和情绪对军人认知反应能力的影响。结果表明,场独立性者对图形的认知反应能力比场依赖性者强。情绪稳定性高者的认知反应能力好于情绪稳定性低者,外向性格者的认知反应能力总体上要高于内向性格者。     

Determining Genetic Expression Profiles in C. elegans Using Microarray and Real-time PCR

Synapses are composed of a presynaptic active zone in the signaling cell and a postsynaptic terminal in the target cell. In the case of chemical synapses, messages are carried by neurotransmitters released from presynaptic terminals and received by receptors on postsynaptic cells. Our previous research in Caenorhabditis elegans has shown that VSM-1 negatively regulates exocytosis. Additionally, analysis of synapses in vsm-1 mutants showed that animals lacking a fully functional VSM-1 have increased synaptic connectivity. Based on these preliminary findings, we hypothesized that C. elegans VSM-1 may play a crucial role in synaptogenesis. To test this hypothesis, double-labeled microarray analysis was performed, and gene expression profiles were determined. First, total RNA was isolated, reversely transcribed to cDNA, and hybridized to the DNA microarrays. Then, in-silico analysis of fluorescent probe hybridization revealed significant induction of many genes coding for members of the major sperm protein family (MSP) in mutants with enhanced synaptogenesis. MSPs are the major component of sperm in C. elegans and appear to signal nematode oocyte maturation and ovulation . In fruit flies, Chai and colleagues ¹ demonstrated that MSP-like molecules regulate presynaptic bouton number and size at the neuromuscular junction. Moreover, analysis performed by Tsuda and coworkers ² suggested that MSPs may act as ligands for Eph receptors and trigger receptor tyrosine kinase signaling cascades. Lastly, real time PCR analysis corroborated that the gene coding for MSP-32 is induced in vsm-1(ok1468) mutants. Taken together, research performed by our laboratory has shown that vsm-1 mutants have a significant increase in synaptic density, which could be mediated by MSP-32 signaling.     

Constructing a Low-budget Laser Axotomy System to Study Axon Regeneration in C. elegans

Laser axotomy followed by time-lapse microscopy is a sensitive assay for axon regeneration phenotypes in C. elegans¹. The main difficulty of this assay is the perceived cost ($25-100K) and technical expertise required for implementing a laser ablation system^2,3. However, solid-state pulse lasers of modest costs (<$10K) can provide robust performance for laser ablation in transparent preparations where target axons are "close" to the tissue surface. Construction and alignment of a system can be accomplished in a day. The optical path provided by light from the focused condenser to the ablation laser provides a convenient alignment guide. An intermediate module with all optics removed can be dedicated to the ablation laser and assures that no optical elements need be moved during a laser ablation session. A dichroic in the intermediate module allows simultaneous imaging and laser ablation. Centering the laser beam to the outgoing beam from the focused microscope condenser lens guides the initial alignment of the system. A variety of lenses are used to condition and expand the laser beam to fill the back aperture of the chosen objective lens. Final alignment and testing is performed with a front surface mirrored glass slide target. Laser power is adjusted to give a minimum size ablation spot (<1um). The ablation spot is centered with fine adjustments of the last kinematically mounted mirror to cross hairs fixed in the imaging window. Laser power for axotomy will be approximately 10X higher than needed for the minimum ablation spot on the target slide (this may vary with the target you use). Worms can be immobilized for laser axotomy and time-lapse imaging by mounting on agarose pads (or in microfluidic chambers⁴). Agarose pads are easily made with 10% agarose in balanced saline melted in a microwave. A drop of molten agarose is placed on a glass slide and flattened with another glass slide into a pad approximately 200 um thick (a single layer of time tape on adjacent slides is used as a spacer). A "Sharpie" cap is used to cut out a uniformed diameter circular pad of 13mm. Anesthetic (1ul Muscimol 20mM) and Microspheres (Chris Fang-Yen personal communication) (1ul 2.65% Polystyrene 0.1 um in water) are added to the center of the pad followed by 3-5 worms oriented so they are lying on their left sides. A glass coverslip is applied and then Vaseline is used to seal the coverslip and prevent evaporation of the sample.     

认知风格、内外向和情绪对军人认知反应能力的影响

该文主要通过测评研究认知风格、内外向和情绪对军人认知反应能力的影响。结果表明,场独立性者对图形的认知反应能力比场依赖性者强,情绪稳定性高者的认知反应能力好于情绪稳定性低者,外向性格者的认知反应能力总体上要高于内向性格者。     

姜黄素预防高原缺氧大鼠认知功能障碍的电生理机制

目的:探讨姜黄素(curcumin)预防高原缺氧大鼠认知功能障碍的电生理机制。方法:将30只成年雄性SD大鼠随机分为健康对照组、模型组(Model组)、姜黄素[按体重60mg/(kg.d)]治疗组(curcumin组)。造模后,检测脑片水平的海马的LTP变化,并运用膜片钳技术检测海马CA1区神经元的电生理变化。结果:(1)给予HFS刺激后各组均可诱发LTP并持续1h以上,与对照组比较模型组组HFS刺激后LTP明显被抑制(P<0.05),姜黄素可减轻缺氧所致的LTP抑制(P<0.05);(2)高原缺氧使海马CA1神经元阈电位升高,动作电位(AP)数量减少,兴奋性降低,姜黄素干预可明显减轻高原缺氧对细胞神经元的抑制。结论:姜黄素可显著改善高原缺氧大鼠认知功能障碍,其可能机制是通过维持海马CA1细胞的兴奋性减轻高原缺氧对认知功能的损伤。     

孝感城区中老年对慢性病及社区管理现状认知情况的调查研究

目的:调查孝感城区中老年对慢性病及其社区管理现状认知情况。方法:选择2010年7月至2015年7月在孝感城区3个社区的500名中老年人作为研究对象,利用自拟调查问卷对所有受试者进行数据调查,分析孝感城区中老年对慢性病的认知情况,及对慢性病社区管理现状的认知情况,分析影响慢性病认知的因素。结果:在慢性病种类中,孝感城区中老年人对于高血压和糖尿病,及风湿性关节炎与慢性支气管炎的认知率较高,而对于癌症、偏瘫及血栓的认知率较低,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。在慢性病的危险因素中,孝感城区中老年人对于缺乏锻炼、吸烟及膳食不合理的认知率明显较高,而对于酗酒、缺乏保健知识及悲观情绪的认知率明显较低,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。在慢性病社区管理现状上,孝感城区中老年对于指导其改变生活习惯的认知率较高,为62.00%,而在进行三级预防、强化慢性病自我管理、定期举办慢性病专题讲座以及建立社区卫生的信息服务平台等方面的认知率明显较低,分别为22.40%、36.80%、42.20%及21.80%,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。Logistic分析显示,文化程度低、经济收入低、未患慢性病及年龄≥60岁均为慢性病认知的危险因素。结论:孝感城区中老年对慢性病及其社区管理现状认知仍存在一定的不足,相关社区卫生管理部门应针对问题的影响因素,积极采取措施,改善社区管理现状。     

老年痴呆与血浆同型半胱氨酸水平关系的临床研究

目的:探讨血浆同型半胱氨酸(homocysteine,Hcy)水平与老年痴呆的相关性。方法:应用全自动生化分析仪以循环酶法检测90例老年痴呆患者的血浆Hcy浓度,并与30例非痴呆患者作为同龄对照组血浆Hcy浓度进行比较;根据Hachinski缺血指数量表评分将老年痴呆分为阿尔茨海默病(Alzheimer’s disease,AD),混合性痴呆(mixed dementia,MD),血管性痴呆(vascular dementia,VD);根据简易精神状态检查量表(Mini-Mental State Examination,MMSE)评分划分痴呆患者严重程度,分为轻度、中度、重度。结果:AD、MD、VD组血浆Hcy水平均显著高于对照组(P<0.01);不同程度痴呆患者血浆Hcy水平有显著性差异(P<0.05),血浆Hcy浓度越高,认知功能损害的程度越重。结论:高Hcy血症可能是老年期痴呆发病的一个重要危险因素,且认知功能减退的程度与血浆同型半胱氨酸浓度呈正相关。