Time-Varying Functional Connectivity of Rat Brain during Bipedal Walking on Unexpected Terrain

Abstract

The cerebral cortex plays an important role in human and other animal adaptation to unpredictable terrain changes, but little was known about the functional network among the cortical areas during this process. To address the question, we trained 6 rats with blocked vision to walk bipedally on a treadmill with a random uneven area. Whole-brain electroencephalography signals were recorded by 32-channel implanted electrodes. Afterward, we scan the signals from all rats using time windows and quantify the functional connectivity within each window using the phase-lag index. Finally, machine learning algorithms were used to verify the possibility of dynamic network analysis in detecting the locomotion state of rats. We found that the functional connectivity level was higher in the preparation phase compared to the walking phase. In addition, the cortex pays more attention to the control of hind limbs with higher requirements for muscle activity. The level of functional connectivity was lower where the terrain ahead can be predicted. Functional connectivity bursts after the rat accidentally made contact with uneven terrain, while in subsequent movement, it was significantly lower than normal walking. In addition, the classification results show that using the phase-lag index of multiple gait phases as a feature can effectively detect the locomotion states of rat during walking. These results highlight the role of the cortex in the adaptation of animals to unexpected terrain and may help advance motor control studies and the design of neuroprostheses.

Bionic Adhesion Systems: From Natural Design to Artificial Application

“…In this regard, analyzing the kinematic behavior of the limbs and feet of animals during climbing and determining the rhythmic attachment-detachment strategy and coordination behavior between toes and limbs could be vital for the application of smart adhesives. [183] Novel adhesives have a bright future with further research on bioadhesive systems and the development of processing technology. Chemical bonding adhesives have proven applications in medical engineering and can also be used in the design of biological tissues or organs, as well as in the construction of micro-and nanorobots that move freely or specifically within tissues.…”

“…In this regard, analyzing the kinematic behavior of the limbs and feet of animals during climbing and determining the rhythmic attachment‐detachment strategy and coordination behavior between toes and limbs could be vital for the application of smart adhesives. [ 183 ]…”

Autophagy‐associated non‐coding RNAs: Unraveling their impact on Parkinson's disease pathogenesis

“…This is accomplished by concurrently suppressing the synthesis of BIM and preventing the movement of BAX to the mitochondria. 90,91 Additional examination of the defensive strategy of miR-124 has shown that introducing miR-124 into the SN of mice exposed to MPTP hampers the expulsion of inflammatory mediators from stimulated microglia by repressing the expression of p62 and p38. 92 The results suggest that reduced activity of miRNAs in the brains of PD mice is linked to the buildup of α-syn, OS, neuronal CD, and neuroinflammation.…”

“…Increasing the expression of miR‐124 by the use of substances that activate it and imitate its function reduces the degeneration of DopNs and increases the amount of dopamine in the striatum by repairing the disrupted autophagy. This is accomplished by concurrently suppressing the synthesis of BIM and preventing the movement of BAX to the mitochondria 90,91 . Additional examination of the defensive strategy of miR‐124 has shown that introducing miR‐124 into the SN of mice exposed to MPTP hampers the expulsion of inflammatory mediators from stimulated microglia by repressing the expression of p62 and p38 92 .…”