Skip to main content

Posts

Showing posts from June, 2019

Smoking cigarettes linked to negative personality changes

Using the Big Five model of personality traits, researchers found smokers were more likely to experience an increase in neuroticism over time. Quitting smoking did not have an impact on altering the negative personality traits. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/2Yjc825

Urinary tract and other infections may trigger different kinds of stroke

Several infections have been linked to increased risk of ischemic stroke. The strongest link was found between urinary tract infections, which increased stroke risk by more than three times within 30 days of infection. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/2Xjhwpx

Multiple sclerosis patients at a greater risk of cancer

People with multiple sclerosis may have a greater overall risk of developing cancer than those without the autoimmune disease. The highest risks are associated with respiratory, urinary and central nervous system cancers. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/2ZThn90

Screams contain a ‘calling card’ for the vocalizer’s identity

Listeners can correctly identify whether pairs of screams originate from the same person or two different people. Findings suggest human screams convey a level of individual identity and shed new light on their evolutionary origin. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/2ZWtv9h

Newly discovered immune cells at the frontline of HIV infection

A newly discovered subset of dendritic cells have been implicated in sexually transmitted HIV infection. The CD11c+ dendritic cells are found in human genital tissue at the epithelial level. They are the first immune cells to interact with the HIV virus. The cells directly transfer the virus to CD4 T cells, making them key drivers in HIV transmission. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/2Ym2D2f

New blood test for detecting Alzheimer’s disease to undergo trial

A new blood test to detect biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease is set to undergo trials in the Fall. The test will be able to identify traces of amyloid beta in blood samples with a high degree of accuracy. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/2Yn7i3J

Association between initial NIHSS score and recanalization rate after endovascular thrombectomy

National institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score and the presence of successful recanalization are crucial determinants of clinical outcome in patients with major artery occlusion. However, it is unknown whether successful recanalization rate after endovascular therapy (EVT) depends on NIHSS score. from Journal of the Neurological Sciences https://ift.tt/2XhBwZL

Social robots can benefit hospitalized children

Huggable, a social robot teddy bear, helps to improve various health and emotional outcomes for children in hospital. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/2RLuHJD

Moments of clarity in dementia patients at end of life: Glimmers of hope?

Paradoxical lucidity, the phenomenon where some with severe dementia suddenly regain their memory and exhibit normal behaviors immediately prior to death, may help shed new light on the mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/2NnNCMl

Early detection of schizophrenia

Elevated levels of inhibited temperament in childhood may reflect a vulnerability for developing schizophrenia. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/2KMT35e

Babies can learn link between language and ethnicity

By eleven months, infants hold language dependent expectations of a speaker's ethnicity. The study suggests babies make connections between languages based on the individuals they encounter in their environments. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/2KMQHDq

3D printed prosthetic hand can guess how you play Rock, Paper, Scissors

A 3D printed hand which uses a computer interface to learn can replicate hand movements. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/2ZVwYoC

One in 10 people have ‘near-death’ experiences

Near-death experiences (NDEs) including hallucinations, out-of-body sensations and time distortions, affect around 10% of people, a new study reports. 72% of people overall who experienced NDEs say their experience was unpleasant. Researchers found an association between NDEs and REM sleep intrusion into wakefulness, resulting in sleep paralysis and hallucinations. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/2Nw6wAO

Artificial intelligence in neurocritical care

Neurocritical care combines the management of extremely complex disease states with the inherent limitations of clinically assessing patients with brain injury. As the management of neurocritical care patients can be immensely complicated, the automation of data-collection and basic management by artificial intelligence systems have garnered interest. from Journal of the Neurological Sciences https://ift.tt/2REqgQQ

Cannabidiol is a Powerful New Antibiotic

Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive compound extract of marijuana, has the potential to be used as an antibiotic. Researchers found CBD was remarkably effective at killing a wide range of Gram-positive bacteria, including bacteria that are resistant to common antibiotics. Additionally, CBD does not lose its effectiveness after extended treatment. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/2Yt0S32

An improved vaccine for bacterial meningitis and bloodstream infections

A newly developed vaccine for meningitis and other bloodstream infections caused by the meningococcal group B bacteria will allow for the immunization of younger children. The new vaccine also addresses several limitations of the current meningitis vaccine. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/2KSdVZ5

Gene activity database could spare thousands of mice

A new, comprehensive database of gene activity in mice, which incorporates ten disease models, could significantly reduce the need for animal testing. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/2xkw60s

Opioids study shows high-risk counties across the country, suggests local solutions

Study reveals 412 counties, mainly in the Midwest and South, are at the highest risk of opioid deaths in the US. Researchers propose new strategies for improving treatment for opioid addiction. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/321Z43h

Blood-Based Biomarkers in Alzheimer Disease

Blood-based biomarkers have the potential to revolutionize clinical practice and clinical trials in Alzheimer disease (AD). However, to date, this “holy grail” opportunity has not been realized owing to a broad range of issues, including the lack of a clearly defined context of use (COU), lack of standardization of methods, and numerous failures at replication. Recently, however, a shift in the paradigm has occurred, with my colleagues and I proposing specific COUs for blood-based biomarkers along with potential paradigms for advancing from discovery to clinic and potential acceptable standards. from journals https://ift.tt/2X56wqI

Study connects low social engagement to amyloid levels and cognitive decline

An association has been discovered between cognitive decline and social engagement in older adults. Older people who are less socially active have a greater accumulation of amyloid beta and increased cognitive decline over a three-year span, compared to more socially active peers. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/2ZPGKbG

Blood-Based Biomarkers in Alzheimer Disease

Blood-based biomarkers have the potential to revolutionize clinical practice and clinical trials in Alzheimer disease (AD). However, to date, this “holy grail” opportunity has not been realized owing to a broad range of issues, including the lack of a clearly defined context of use (COU), lack of standardization of methods, and numerous failures at replication. Recently, however, a shift in the paradigm has occurred, with my colleagues and I proposing specific COUs for blood-based biomarkers along with potential paradigms for advancing from discovery to clinic and potential acceptable standards. from journals https://ift.tt/2X56wqI

Brain cells for 3D vision discovered

Researchers have identified neurons in the brains of praying mantises that are able to compute 3D direction and distance. The findings may help to develop better technology for machine and robotic vision. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/2YizPaH

Teens who can describe negative emotions can stave off depression

Teens who can differentiate their negative emotions, rather than generalize how they feel, are less prone to depression. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/2IVV5xM

Blood-Based Biomarkers in Alzheimer Disease

Blood-based biomarkers have the potential to revolutionize clinical practice and clinical trials in Alzheimer disease (AD). However, to date, this “holy grail” opportunity has not been realized owing to a broad range of issues, including the lack of a clearly defined context of use (COU), lack of standardization of methods, and numerous failures at replication. Recently, however, a shift in the paradigm has occurred, with my colleagues and I proposing specific COUs for blood-based biomarkers along with potential paradigms for advancing from discovery to clinic and potential acceptable standards. from journals https://ift.tt/2X56wqI

Blood-Based Biomarkers in Alzheimer Disease

Blood-based biomarkers have the potential to revolutionize clinical practice and clinical trials in Alzheimer disease (AD). However, to date, this “holy grail” opportunity has not been realized owing to a broad range of issues, including the lack of a clearly defined context of use (COU), lack of standardization of methods, and numerous failures at replication. Recently, however, a shift in the paradigm has occurred, with my colleagues and I proposing specific COUs for blood-based biomarkers along with potential paradigms for advancing from discovery to clinic and potential acceptable standards. from journals https://ift.tt/2X56wqI

Music helps develop spoken language for the hearing impaired

Music may help children with hearing impairments to develop spoken language skills. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/2YjwhVM

Pink noise boosts deep sleep in mild cognitive impairment patients

Short pulses of pink noise played during slow-wave sleep can help improve memory consolidation for those with mild cognitive impairment. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/2xsYGwZ

Update on PET imaging biomarkers in the diagnosis of neuropsychiatric disorders

Purpose of review To give an update on recent imaging studies probing positron emission tomography (PET) as a tool for improving biomarker-guided diagnosis of neuropsychiatric disorders. Recent findings Several studies confirmed the value of imaging of regional neuronal activity and imaging of dopaminergic, serotonergic, and other neuroreceptor function in the diagnostic process of neuropsychiatric disorders, particularly schizophrenia, depression/bipolar disorder, substance use disorders, obsessive compulsive disorders (OCD), and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Additionally, imaging brain microglial activation using translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO) radiotracer allows for unique in-vivo insights into pathophysiological neuroinflammatory changes underlying schizophrenia, affective disorders, and OCD. Summary The role of PET imaging in the biomarker-guided diagnostic process of neuropsychiatric disorders has been increasingly acknowledged in recent years. Future prospective s

Update on PET in neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory disorders manifesting on a behavioural level: imaging for differential diagnosis

Purpose of review To give an update on recent findings concerning the use of PET for differential diagnosis in neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory disorders manifesting on a behavioural level. Recent findings Although accurate differential diagnosis of dementia can be achieved by imaging disease-specific patterns of cerebral glucose metabolism with [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose ([18F]FDG)-PET, the diagnostic impact of [18F]FDG-PET in primary psychiatric disorders is limited. Amyloid-beta PET provides an incremental value beyond [18F]FDG-PET in the differential diagnosis of dementia and was proposed as a biomarker defining the so-called Alzheimer continuum. Recently developed tau-specific tracers might also aid in the diagnostic process (biological definition of Alzheimer's disease together with amyloid-beta). Surpassing the diagnostic accuracy of other techniques, such as MRI, [18F]FDG-PET has also gained widespread clinical use for diagnosis and follow-up of paraneoplastic and autoi

A nation-wide initiative for brain imaging and clinical phenotype data federation in Swiss university memory centres

Purpose of review The goal of our nation-wide initiative is to provide clinicians intuitive and robust tools for accurate diagnosis, therapy monitoring and prognosis of cognitive decline that is based on large-scale multidomain data. Recent findings We describe a federation framework that allows for statistical analysis of aggregated brain imaging and clinical phenotyping data across memory clinics in Switzerland. The adaptation and deployment of readily available data capturing and federation modules is paralleled by developments in ontology, quality and regulatory control of brain imaging data. Our initiative incentivizes data sharing through the common resource in a way that provides individual researcher with access to large-scale data that surpasses the data acquisition capacity of a single centre. Clinicians benefit from fine-grained epidemiological characterization of own data compared with the rest additional to intuitive tools allowing for computer-based diagnosis of dementia.

Gene-targeting approaches for movement disorders: recent advances

Purpose of review To summarize the current state of art of gene therapy for Parkinson's disease. Recent findings Introduction of the gene for glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) into the subthalamic nucleus was successful in a randomized, double-blind clinical trial and recent data from PET imaging identified novel brain networks underlying both sham surgery and therapeutic responses in treated participants. Two other approaches use viral vectors to increase dopamine transmission in the striatum. Both strategies are being studied in active trials and have recently reported promising responses in human participants. New strategies in Parkinson's disease are focused upon targeting the underlying pathogenesis in those with genetic defects thought to be the cause of disease. Finally, noninvasive focused ultrasound is currently being tested for lesioning in Parkinson's disease patients, but this same technology can be used to transiently open the blood–brain barrier, raising the p

Primary familial brain calcifications: genetic and clinical update

Purpose of review In the last 7 years, changes in five genes [SLC20A2, PDGFRB, PDGFB, XPR1, and MYORG] have been implicated in the pathogenesis of primary familial brain calcification (PFBC), allowing for genetic delineation of this phenotypically complex neurodegenerative disorder. This review explores how the ensuing plethora of reported PFBC patients and their disease-causing variants improved our understanding of disease, pathogenesis, clinical manifestation, and penetrance. Recent findings In PFBC patients, pathogenic changes have been most frequently described in SLC20A2, accounting for approximately the same number of patients as the variants in the other four PFBC genes combined. There is no appreciable relationship between any combination of the following three variables: the type of disease-causing change, the pattern or extent of calcifications, and the presence or nature of clinical manifestation in PFBC patients. Nevertheless, elucidation of underlying genetic factors prov

Pain in Parkinson's disease: new concepts in pathogenesis and treatment

Purpose of review In this review, we discuss the most recent evidence on mechanisms underlying pathological nociceptive processing in Parkinson's disease patients, as well as novel treatment strategies. Recent findings In Parkinson's disease, specific neurodegenerative changes may cause alterations in nociceptive processing at multiple levels. Optimization of dopaminergic therapies should always be the first step in the management of Parkinson's disease pain. Reportedly, rotigotine transdermal patch, a monoamine oxidase type B inhibitor safinamide (as an add-on therapy to levodopa), subcutaneous apomorphine and intrajejunal levodopa infusion therapy may have a beneficial effect on pain sensations in Parkinson's disease patients. Among the nondopaminergic pharmacological therapies, prolonged-release oxycodone/naloxone and duloxetine may be effective in the treatment of chronic pain in Parkinson's disease. Botulinum toxin (BTX) injections should be considered for the

GBA1-associated parkinsonism: new insights and therapeutic opportunities

Purpose of review GBA1 mutations, which result in the lysosomal disorder Gaucher disease, are the most common known genetic risk factor for Parkinson disease and Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB). The pathogenesis of this association is not fully understood, but further elucidation of this link could lead to new therapeutic options. Recent findings The characteristic clinical phenotype of GBA1-PD resembles sporadic Parkinson disease, but with an earlier onset and more severe course. Many different GBA1 mutations increase the risk of Parkinson disease, some primarily detected in specific populations. Glucocerebrosidase deficiency appears to be associated with increased α-synuclein aggregation and accumulation, mitochondrial dysfunction because of impaired autophagy, and increased endoplasmic reticulum stress. Summary As our understanding of GBA1-associated Parkinson disease increases, new treatment opportunities emerge. MicroRNA profiles are providing examples of both up-regulated and dow

Corticobasal degeneration: advances in clinicopathology and biomarkers

Purpose of review Corticobasal degeneration (CBD) is a rapidly progressive neurodegenerative tauopathy diagnosed postmortem by pathological examination. The clinical presentation of corticobasal syndrome (CBS) is an apraxic, dystonic, and rigid limb with asymmetrical cortical signs and myoclonus. However, less than half of the patients with CBS receive a CBD diagnosis. As tau-lowering therapies have entered clinical trials, improved antemortem diagnosis of CBD is needed. Here, clinicopathological, neuroimaging, and biofluid data in CBS and/or CBD patients are briefly summarized and some knowledge gaps identified. Recent findings Developments of MRI-based and nuclear medicine imaging modalities have increased pathophysiological insights of CBS and may improve diagnostic accuracy. In particular, several tau-PET ligands have been evaluated in CBS patients. Cerebrospinal fluid and plasma levels of neurofilament light chain can distinguish CBS from Parkinson's disease but not from other

X-Linked Dystonia-Parkinsonism: recent advances

Purpose of review Our understanding of X-Linked Dystonia-Parkinsonism (XDP) has advanced considerably in recent years because of a wealth of new data describing its genetic basis, cellular phenotypes, neuroimaging features, and response to deep brain stimulation (DBS). This review provides a concise summary of these studies. Recent findings XDP is associated with a SINE-VNTR-Alu (SVA)-type retrotransposon insertion within the TAF1 gene. This element includes a hexameric DNA repeat expansion, (CCCTCT)n, the length of which varies among patients and is inversely correlated to age of disease onset. In cell models, the SVA alters TAF1 splicing and reduces levels of full-length transcript. Neuroimaging data have confirmed previous neuropathology studies that XDP involves a progressive striatal atrophy, while further detecting functional alterations in additional brain regions. In patients exhibiting features of both dystonia and parkinsonism, pallidal DBS has resulted in rapid improvement o

What are neurodevelopmental disorders?

Purpose of review The purpose of this review is to highlight the origin and evolution of the field of neurodevelopmental disabilities and describe the main construct(s) upon which the current classification of neurodevelopmental disorders is based. Recent findings We address the following questions: Are neurodevelopmental disorders independent entities? Why is it desirable to understand the neurobiological substrate for these disorders? What new knowledge have we generated by leveraging advances in neuroscience, genetics, and neuroimaging? And finally, is the current construct, that is based on functional classification, still useful? Summary As our biological understanding of brain-behavior disorders evolves, we ought to re-evaluate the current classification system and expand it into a multidimensional classification that takes into account behavioral profiles and underlying mechanisms. from Current Opinion in Neurology - Current Issue https://ift.tt/2xf9Wg7

The atypical social brain network in autism: advances in structural and functional MRI studies

Purpose of review To review advances in structural and functional MRI studies regarding the neural underpinnings of social atypicalities in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Recent findings According to the hypothesis that the social brain network, which includes brain regions, such as the amygdala and superior temporal sulcus, may be atypical in ASD, recent structural MRI studies have identified regional gray matter volume abnormalities in the social brain regions in ASD groups compared with the typically developing groups. Studies evaluating gray matter volume covariance and white matter volume/integrity suggested network-level abnormalities associated with the social brain regions. Recent functional MRI studies assessing resting-state neural activity showed reduced functional connectivity among the social brain regions in individuals with ASD compared with typically developing groups. Similarly, task-based functional MRI studies recently revealed a reduction in regional activity and i

Sex differences in neurodevelopmental disorders

Purpose of review There continues to be more males than females diagnosed with neurodevelopmental disorders, which may provide clues about their cause. This review will focus on the two most common neurodevelopmental disorders – autism spectrum disorder (autism) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and explore recent research to understand recent developments in the field. Recent findings Biological mechanisms including genetics, hormones and their interaction with other risk factors, such as stress and lead exposure, point to complex causal pathways for neurodevelopmental disorders. Over recent years, the research focus on sex differences in symptom profiles in autism has continued; however, a meta-analysis of existing studies indicated minimal sex differences in core autism symptoms. In ADHD, changes in the sex ratio from disparity in childhood to parity in adulthood may relate to the onset and trajectory of hyperactivity symptoms in females. Research into medical and

Recent genetic and functional insights in autism spectrum disorder

Purpose of review Recent advances in genetic technologies allowed researchers to identify large numbers of candidate risk genes associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Both strongly penetrant rare variants and the accumulation of common variants with much weaker penetrance contribute to the cause of ASD. To identify the highly confident candidate genes, software and resources have been applied, and functional evaluation of the variants has provided further insights for ASD pathophysiology. These studies ultimately identify the molecular and circuit alteration underlying the behavioral abnormalities in ASD. In this review, we introduce the recent genetic and genomic findings and functional approaches for ASD variants providing a deeper understanding of the etiology of ASD. Recent findings Integrated meta-analysis that recruited a larger number of ASD cases has helped to prioritize ASD candidate genes or genetic loci into highly confidence candidate genes for further investigatio

Emerging pharmacological therapies in fragile X syndrome and autism

Purpose of review Research on the pathophysiology of syndromic autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has contributed to the uncovering of mechanisms in nonsyndromic ASD. The current review aims to compare recent progress in therapeutics development for ASD with those for fragile X syndrome (FXS), the most frequent monogenic form of ASD. Recent findings Although candidates such as oxytocin, vasopressin, and cannabinoids are being tested as novel therapeutics, it remains difficult to focus on a specific molecular target of drug development for ASD core symptoms. As the pathophysiology of FXS has been well described as having a causal gene, fragile X mental retardation-1, development of therapeutic agents for FXS is focused on specific molecular targets, such as metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 and GABAB receptor. Summary There is a large unmet medical need in ASD, a heterogeneous and clinically defined behavioral syndrome, owing to its high prevalence in the general population, lifelong cognit

Implication of the SH3TC2 gene in Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease associated with deafness and/or scoliosis: Illustration with four new pathogenic variants

The autosomal recessive demyelinating form of Charcot-Marie-Tooth can be due to SH3TC2 gene pathogenic variants (CMT4C, AR-CMTde-SH3TC2). We report on a series of 13 patients with AR-CMTde-SH3TC2 among a French cohort of 350 patients suffering from all type of inheritance peripheral neuropathy. The SH3TC2 gene appeared to be the most frequently mutated gene for demyelinating neuropathy in this series by NGS. Four new pathogenic variants have been identified: two nonsense variants (p.(Tyr970*), p.(Trp1199*)) and two missense variants (p.(Leu1126Pro), p.(Ala1206Asp)). from Journal of the Neurological Sciences https://ift.tt/2Nq7RbY

Varicella-zoster virus vasculopathy in a multiple sclerosis patient on fingolimod

In the past decade, a variety of medications have come on the market to treat relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Fingolimod, a functional antagonist of sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) receptors, reduces relapse frequency, MRI activity and disease progression. However, several side effects have been described – notably, heart block, macular edema, transaminitis, and infections. Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) cutaneous reactivation (shingles) is a well-known complication, but VZV vasculopathy has only been reported once [1]. from Journal of the Neurological Sciences https://ift.tt/2KELgGx

Understanding how tics are suppressed may help some at risk for tic disorders

Almost 20% of children develop facial or vocal tics by the time they are elementary school age. For many children, knowing others are watching them helps to reduce tic behaviors. A histor of anxiety disorder has been associated with tics in young children. Understanding more about tic behaviors in children may help to develop new strategies to help those with Tourette suppress tics. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/31XRwys

Can Facebook improve your mental health?

Contrary to popular belief, using social media sites like Facebook can actually help improve mental health in adults. Researchers found adults who use Facebook regularly are 63% less likely to experience psychological distress, such as depression and anxiety, over time. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/31Zr3Rt

Transneuronal Propagation of Pathologic α-Synuclein from the Gut to the Brain Models Parkinson’s Disease

Gut injection of α-synuclein fibrils converts endogenous α-synuclein to a pathologic species that spreads to the brain. This leads to features of Parkinson’s disease, and vagotomy and α-synuclein deficiency prevent the neuropathology and neurobehavioral deficits induced by transmitted pathological α-synuclein. from journals https://ift.tt/2FznNlQ

New research shows Parkinson’s disease origins in the gut

A new study adds to the growing body of evidence that Parkinson's disease may start in the gut. Researchers found gut-to-brain propagation of alpha-synuclein spread via the vagus nerve. The study provides a more accurate model of Parkinson's progression and could lead to new treatments to halt or prevent this neurodegenerative disease. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/2KEUoet

Is hypertonic saline better than mannitol for traumatic brain injury?

Hypertonic saline is superior to mannitol for the combined effect on intracranial pressure and cerebral perfusion pressure burdens in patients with severe traumatic brain injury. Mangat HS, Wu X, Gerber LM, et al. Neurosurgery 2019 (Epub ahead of print). Abstract BACKGROUND: Hypertonic saline (HTS) and mannitol are effective in reducing intracranial pressure (ICP) after severe […] via Is hypertonic saline better than mannitol for traumatic brain injury? — Neurochecklists Blog from The Neurology Lounge https://ift.tt/2J6KdMl

How people want to feel determines whether others can influence their emotions

People have more control over how their emotions are influenced by others than previously thought. Researchers found people who wanted to stay calm when presented with upsetting stimuli remained unfazed by angry emotions expressed by others. However, when they wanted to feel angry, they were more highly influenced by others who were angry. from Neuroscience News http://bit.ly/2J6QPuf

Strengthened Temporal Coordination within Pre-existing Sequential Cell Assemblies Supports Trajectory Replay

Farooq et al. demonstrate that time-compressed, internally generated sequential dynamics in the CA1 ensembles are modified by navigational experience primarily via persistent changes in experience-relevant short-timescale neuronal coordination on the framework of largely conserved long-timescale sequential dynamics to form a memory. from journals http://bit.ly/2xd7sih

Strengthened Temporal Coordination within Pre-existing Sequential Cell Assemblies Supports Trajectory Replay

Farooq et al. demonstrate that time-compressed, internally generated sequential dynamics in the CA1 ensembles are modified by navigational experience primarily via persistent changes in experience-relevant short-timescale neuronal coordination on the framework of largely conserved long-timescale sequential dynamics to form a memory. from journals http://bit.ly/2xd7sih

Have You Considered Adding a Medical Scribe to Your Practice?

“Like some virulent bacteria doubling on the agar plate, the E.M.R. grows more gargantuan with each passing month, requiring ever more (and ever more arduous) documentation to feed the beast,” wrote Danielle Ofri, M.D., in this New York Times article. She is not alone in her concerns about the runaway paperwork problem faced by doctors today. Some research has shown that documentation takes up more than half a physician’s time. Time on paperwork means time away from patients, and this has some asking themselves why they even went to medical school in the first place. It is no surprise then that EMR demands are increasingly seen as a major contributor to the rising rates of burnout among physicians ( neurologists in particular ). The effort to address this issue has led to an increased use of a new category of medical assistant— medical scribes . A medical scribe is someone (non-licensed) who accompanies a physician, taking notes during patient encounters, retrieving test results,

Transforming the Choice Outcome to an Action Plan in Monkey Lateral Prefrontal Cortex: A Neural Circuit Model

Yim et al. propose a circuit model that implements good-to-action transformation during economic choice. Heterogeneity in circuit synaptic connections is crucial for the coexistence of distinct functional neuron types, which is confirmed by cluster analysis of neuronal activity in LPFC. from journals http://bit.ly/2X3KD02

Settling the debate on serotonin’s role in sleep

Serotonin produced by the raphe is critical for sleep in both mice and zebrafish. The firing of neurons in the raphe and the release of serotonin may help the brain build up better sleep pressure. The results may explain why some sleep-related side effects of antidepressants increase serotonin in the brain. from Neuroscience News http://bit.ly/2X3JEwI

Does helicobacter pylori predispose to Parkinson’s disease?

H. pylori and Parkinson’s disease: meta-analyses including clinical severity. Dardiotis E, Tsouris Z, Mentis AA, et al. Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2018; 175:16-24. Abstract Background: The exact etiology of Parkinson’s disease (PD) remains unclear. Some evidence supports Helicobacter pylori infection as a trigger or driving event, but detection and eradication of H. pylori are not part […] via Does helicobacter pylori predispose to Parkinson’s disease? — Neurochecklists Blog from The Neurology Lounge http://bit.ly/2Nj8wwa

Does helicobacter pylori predispose to Parkinson’s disease?

H. pylori and Parkinson’s disease: meta-analyses including clinical severity. Dardiotis E, Tsouris Z, Mentis AA, et al. Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2018; 175:16-24. Abstract Background: The exact etiology of Parkinson’s disease (PD) remains unclear. Some evidence supports Helicobacter pylori infection as a trigger or driving event, but detection and eradication of H. pylori are not part […] via Does helicobacter pylori predispose to Parkinson’s disease? — Neurochecklists Blog from The Neurology Lounge http://bit.ly/2KzCSYS

Supplements for brain health show no benefit

Supplements marketed to promote 'brain health' often overstate the products' benefits and do little-to-nothing to improve the aging brain. Researchers investigate the hidden dangers and false claims behind these products, which are highly profitable for manufacturers, but not so beneficial for consumers. from Neuroscience News http://bit.ly/2Y2Ie1S

Do mushrooms protect against cognitive impairment?

The association between mushroom consumption and mild cognitive impairment: a community-based cross-sectional study in Singapore. Feng L, Cheah IK, Ng MM, et al. J Alzheimers Dis 2019; 68:197-203. Abstract Background: We examined the cross-sectional association between mushroom intake and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) using data from 663 participants aged 60 and above from the Diet […] via Do mushrooms protect against cognitive impairment? — Neurochecklists Blog from The Neurology Lounge http://bit.ly/31PdG60

Foodie calls: Women who date for a free meal more likely to exhibit dark triad personality traits

Women who date for a free meal and without romantic interest in their dinner partners are more likely to exhibit 'dark triad' personality traits. Dark triad traits, including narcissism, psychopathy and Machiavellianism, are associated with negative behaviors, such as exploitative behaviors and deception. from Neuroscience News http://bit.ly/2XqklV8

Researchers call for the term ‘high functioning autism’ to be consigned to history

Researchers argue the term "high functioning autism" be abandoned by the scientific community as it is misleading and may create harmful expectations of abilities for children on the autism spectrum. "High functioning autism" is not a diagnostic term. The term is based on IQ assessments rather than functional assessments. While children with ASD may exhibit normal-to-higher IQ for their age, many experience skill based, social and behavioral difficulties that impact their daily lives. from Neuroscience News http://bit.ly/2Y23mFH

Neuroscience research questions current alcohol limit

Drinking small amounts of alcohol, like one pint of beer or a large glass of wine, significantly impairs our feeling of being in control of our actions. A new study reveals even one beer can lead to overconfidence in driving ability and make us act in inappropriate, potentially dangerous ways. The study begs the question, are current alcohol limits for driving truly safe? from Neuroscience News http://bit.ly/2IxRAxr

Seizures and Pregnancy

By Jean Cibula, MD, FAES On May 9, 2019, the Google doodle (the picture or animation on the Google search page) highlighted Dr Lucy Wills, a British hematologist who first identified folic acid. Folic acid is one of the B vitamin family (also known as vitamin B9). She studied macrocytic (large cell) anemia in pregnancy and was able to distinguish the difference from pernicious anemia, which is caused by vitamin B12 deficiency. The cause was related to diet during pregnancy, and the anemia could be both prevented and treated using yeast extracts (like Marmite or Vegemite which are nonalcoholic food spreads made from the byproducts of beer brewing or brewers’ yeast). Folic acid was first called the “Wills factor” and was identified as folate in the 1940s. Dr Wills’ work contributed to positive pregnancy outcomes by identifying dietary contributors to pregnancy related deaths (moms and babies) and led to the supplementation of vitamins, particularly of iron and the B vitamins during preg

A case of Ciguatera poisoning with paradoxical dysaesthesia and degenerative features at skin biopsy

Ciguatera poisoning is a widespread seafood-toxic illness, endemic in the tropical and subtropical regions of Caribbean and Indo-Pacific. It is the most frequently reported marine toxin-related poisoning globally. The climate and environment changes together with the international commerce and consumption of frozen fish species are responsible for an increasing number of Ciguatera poisoning also in temperate regions [1]. Ciguatoxins are produced by dinoflagellates of the Gambierdiscus species, bottom-dwelling single-cell organisms living in the coral reef. from Journal of the Neurological Sciences http://bit.ly/2IsM92A

The Autism-Associated Gene Scn2a Contributes to Dendritic Excitability and Synaptic Function in the Prefrontal Cortex

Haploinsufficiency in the gene SCN2A, which encodes the sodium channel NaV1.2, has strong autism association. Spratt et al. show that Scn2a contributes to dendritic excitability in mature neocortical pyramidal cells, where its loss impairs excitatory synaptic function and plasticity. from journals http://bit.ly/2L59ida

Processed foods may hold key to rise in autism

Eating processed food which contains Propionic Acid (PPA) during pregnancy may affect neural stem cell development in the fetal brain. Excessive PPA reduces the number of neurons and over-produces glial cells, causing inflammation. Additionally, PPA shortens neural pathways. The combination of damaged pathways and reduced neurons may be associated with behavioral deficits associated with ASD. from Neuroscience News http://bit.ly/2FkZOqs

Ribbon cutting at the Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases!

On June 19, UF Health leaders cut the ribbon on the Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases at UF Health, 24,700-square-foot interdisciplinary care and research facility that houses the UF Health Neuromedicine – Williston Road practice. Doors will open to patients on July 1. from Department of Neurology http://bit.ly/2L4JVbE

We know contact with nature makes you feel better. Can virtual contact do the same?

The positive effects of spending time with nature on psychological wellbeing and health are well documented. However, not everyone can enjoy a trip to a green-space. New research suggests virtual exposure to nature via augmented reality and movies can mimic the effect and provide a boost to wellbeing. from Neuroscience News http://bit.ly/2MYJIt6

Mitochondrial Function in 22q11 Deletion Syndrome

Copy number variant disorders arise from altering the dosage of multiple contiguous genes. In this issue of Neuron, Fernandez et al. (2019) identify haploinsufficiency of mitochondrial Txnrd2 as an important contributor to the hypo-cortico-cortical connectivity of 22q11 deletion syndrome. from journals http://bit.ly/2KqzjnT

Harnessing the Sun to See Anew

Light drives vision by directly activating opsin-based visual pigments in rod and cone photoreceptors. In this issue of Neuron, Morshedian et al. (2019) show that light also drives regeneration of the cone visual pigments via an elegant biochemical mechanism in Müller glial cells of the neural retina that can contribute to sustained cone function under daytime conditions. from journals http://bit.ly/2Rld9E2