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Showing posts from October, 2019

Perfusion abnormality on three-dimensional arterial spin labeling in patients with acute encephalopathy with biphasic seizures and late reduced diffusion

Acute encephalopathy with biphasic seizures and late reduced diffusion (AESD) is the most common encephalopathy subtype in Japanese children. Few case reports have shown perfusion abnormality on arterial spin labeling (ASL) in patients with AESD. The present study aimed to review the chronological change of cerebral perfusion on three-dimensional (3D) ASL in patients with AESD. from Journal of the Neurological Sciences https://ift.tt/2N59LNl
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Over ten years overall survival in glioblastoma: A different disease?

The reasons why a specific subset of glioblastoma (GBM) patients survive longer than others is still unclear. This study analyzed a cohort of long-term and very-long-term GBM survivors to determine which genetic alterations or patient's characteristics influence survival time. from Journal of the Neurological Sciences https://ift.tt/2N2qUa8
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Pregabalin is effective in treating prolonged hiccups both with and without brainstem lesion: A report of 2 cases

Hiccups are sudden onset involuntary contractions of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles. They cause self-limited episodes commonly lasting <� 48 h and subsiding spontaneously. Prolonged episodes are defined as ‘persistent hiccups’ if continuing for  > 48 h and ‘intractable hiccups’ if lasting for >1 month [1]. Hiccups are thought to be produced by the activation of a reflex arc with an afferent pathway, a central component and an efferent pathway. Structural lesions or irritants of these reflex components may result in prolonged hiccups [1]. from Journal of the Neurological Sciences https://ift.tt/2Wus3KQ
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Embarking on an Audacious Plan to Double Brain Health and Performance

This week I was privileged to be among remarkable leaders who are working in concert to double brain health and performance over the next decade. I am speaking of the October 21 preview event for The BrainHealth Project, conceptualized and led by Dr. Sandi Chapman, Director of the Center for BrainHealth at The University of Texas at Dallas. It was humbling to be in a room filled with giants in the field of neuroscience, whose painstaking scientific inquiry decades ago challenged then prevailing understanding of the brain. Walking along the Embarcadero overlooking San Francisco Bay post event, my mind wandered to medieval scholars of millennia past, who proved beyond doubt that the world was indeed not flat. I thought about the turning point marked by the day’s event, and how these tangible results of neuroplasticity science will yield equally profound change for us all. The BrainHealth Project unites an unparalleled, international group of neuroscience leaders to advance the common g
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After release into wild, vampire bats keep ‘friends’ made in captivity

Vampire bats form social bonds similar to friendships seen in primates. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/2ptVTD9
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Why music makes us feel, according to AI

Artificial intelligence helps shed light on how people's brains, bodies, and emotions react to listening to music. Music influences parts of the auditory cortex, including the Heschl's gyrus and superior temporal gyrus, specifically responding to pulse clarity. Changes in dynamics, rhythm, timbre, and the introduction of new instruments cause an uptick in the response. The study also identified the best song types for the perfect workout, sleep, and study. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/2JB3BCe
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Cognitive and functional status in late onset Lennox-Gastaut syndrome: variation on a classic phenotype

Congratulations to Dr. Kalamangalam on the publication of “Cognitive and functional status in late onset Lennox-Gastaut syndrome: variation on a classic phenotype,” in Epilepsy & Behavior.   Summary   Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) denotes a refractory epileptic encephalopathy of childhood onset with the triad of generalized slow spike-wave on inter-ictal scalp electroencephalogram (EEG), multiple seizure types and intellectual impairment. The neurobiology of LGS is said to sustain abnormal patterns of brain activity and connectivity that ultimately impair normal cerebral developmental mechanisms. However, we describe eight patients from our combined practice who presented with electro-clinical findings consistent with LGS but without significant cognitive impairment. All patients fulfilled the other criteria of LGS with multiple seizure types (three or more of generalized tonic-clonic, atonic, tonic, myoclonic and atypical absence) and generalized slow spike-wave activity on EE
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Patients with mood, anxiety disorders share abnormalities in brain’s control circuit

Patients with mood and anxiety disorders have abnormally low activation in brain areas associated with cognitive and emotional control. Brain scans also revealed hyperactivity in brain areas linked to the processing of emotional thoughts. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/2JvpcMv
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Key gene in familial Alzheimer’s disease regulates neuronal development

Researchers identify a new cell mechanism that connects Alzheimer's disease and cancers. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/3320B9Q
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How are psychiatric disorders linked to infections during pregnancy?

Previous studies have documented how infection during pregnancy can increase the risk of ASD and a range of psychiatric disorders in the offspring. A new study reveals how maternal infections can affect neural development and how the timing of infection plays a critical role in elevating the risks of mental health conditions. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/2NoO7m8
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November is Epilepsy Awareness Month!

Wear your purple ribbon to show your support! One in 26  people will be diagnosed with epilepsy at some point in their lifetime and an estimated  3.4 million  people in the US are living with epilepsy. It is the fourth most common neurological disease after migraine, stroke and Alzheimer’s disease. Despite these staggering numbers, epilepsy remains a disorder that is largely misunderstood by the general public, discriminated against, and underfunded in research initiatives. Anyone can develop epilepsy at any time.  Everyone  should know about the prevalence, impact and what to do if someone is having a seizure. That’s why National Epilepsy Awareness Month (NEAM) is so important!  It’s our chance to teach others what a seizure is, and is not. Let’s dare to imagine a society free of stigma, fear, isolation, discrimination and seizures; a community that’s safe, supportive and accommodating of those living with epilepsy.  Throughout the month, the EFEPA works to spread awareness across
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Acetaminophen in pregnancy linked to higher risk of ADHD and autism

Report supports earlier studies linking acetaminophen exposure in utero with a higher risk of later diagnosis of ADHD and ASD. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/322aJOi
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Name that tune: Brain takes just 100 to 300 milliseconds to recognize familiar music

The human brain can recognize a familiar tune within 100 milliseconds of the onset of sound. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/2BVB2LN
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Vulnerability of the Nucleus Basalis of Meynert Among Neuropathologic Subtypes of Alzheimer Disease

This cross-sectional study using tissue from the Florida Autopsied Multi-Ethnic cohort assesses whether an association exists between neuropathologic subtypes of Alzheimer disease and neurofibrillary tangle accumulation or neuron loss in the nucleus basalis of Meynert, a major source of brain cholinergic innervation. from journals https://ift.tt/2JqxsgE
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Distinct brain region alterations in youth with psychosis spectrum disorders

Teens with psychosis spectrum disorders have significantly reduced surface areas in the orbitofrontal cortex, cingulate, precentral, and postcentral brain regions. MRI scans also revealed decreased thalamic volume. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/2os50Um
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Which came first: Brain size or drinking propensity?

Reduced gray matter volume in the insula and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex may represent a genetically conferred predispositional risk factor for alcohol use disorder. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/2WsJDPw
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Faith, truth and forgiveness: How your brain processes abstract thoughts

The human brain acts like an indexing system to help compose the meaning of abstract concepts. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/2orDwy7
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Narcissism might be a dark trait but it can lower stress levels and reduce chances of depression

Grandiose narcissists are more likely to be "mentally tough", experience less stress, and are less prone to depression. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/31ZsnlQ
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Congratulations to our Newly Endowed Professors!

On behalf of the Department of Neurology, congratulations to Drs. Tirisham Gyang, Giridhar Kalamangalam, and Matthew Farrer for receiving endowed professorships at the University of Florida.  The department is incredibly fortunate to have such esteemed faculty and will continue to reach greater heights! Dr. Tirisham Gyang receiving her Endowment Dr. Giri Kalamangalam receiving his Endowment Dr. Matthew Farrer receiving his Endowment from Department of Neurology » College of Medicine » University of Florida https://ift.tt/32ZW7QQ
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You Are Creating Marketing Content, and You May Not Even Know It!

Between the need to see more and more patients and the increasing demands of paperwork, the idea of setting aside time to write educational information for patients or professional content for colleagues may seem ludicrous. Lack of time may truly be the biggest roadblock for the neurologist who wants to create digital content to help build their neurology practice. But in today’s online world, digital content is marketing currency. It can be shared on your website, and on social media channels to connect with potential patients and referring physicians. Marketing simply doesn’t happen without digital content any more. The good news is there is a secret you can use to help you create content without consuming too much of that precious time. That secret is repurposing content. Why Should You Repurpose Content? Even if you love creating all-new content, don’t overlook the treasure trove of existing material you can use and reuse. When you repurpose content, you are extending all of y
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Teaching NeuroImages: A rare case of metachromatic leukodystrophy with multiple bilateral cranial nerve enhancement

A 32-month-old boy, born at term, presented with progressive developmental regression from 14 months of age. On examination, he had horizontal nystagmus, diminished gag reflex, hypertonicity, and depressed reflexes. Brain MRI revealed symmetric T2/fluid-attenuated inversion recovery confluent hyperintensities in the periventricular white matter, corpus callosum, and centrum semiovale (sparing subcortical U fibers) with enhancement of multiple cranial nerves (figure). The characteristic leopard-like appearance of the hyperintensities prompted further evaluation for metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD). 1,2 Arylsulfatase A enzyme activity was found to be low, and the patient had a homozygous pathogenic variant in the ARSA gene (c.465+1G), confirming MLD. from Neurology recent issues https://ift.tt/2WmI5GD
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Teaching NeuroImages: Spinal cord herniation after cervical corpectomy

A 48-year-old man presented with worsening generalized pain. He had a history of complex cervical deformity and C2-T4 anterior and posterior instrumented fusions. On neurologic examination, cranial nerves, sensation, and strength were intact. Imaging demonstrated herniation of the spinal cord into the corpectomy defect and myelomalacia of the herniated cord (figure). Components of the patient's pain were attributed to myelomalacia. Spinal cord herniation (SCH), when iatrogenic, mostly occurs in the setting of posterior instrumentation and associated pseudomeningocele formation. SCH may also develop as a complication of anterior cervical decompression and underlying dural defect is the most likely mechanism. 1,2 from Neurology recent issues https://ift.tt/2WjQ8Us
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Patient self-management programs in neuromuscular disorders: Do they help?

Most patients with nerve and muscle disorders experience chronic fatigue. This can lead to reduced social activity. Other studies have shown that aerobic exercise, cognitive behavior therapy, and conserving energy can help patients who have chronic fatigue from a wide variety of neurologic disorders. The authors wanted to see if these treatments would work for chronic fatigue in patients with nerve and muscle disorders. from Neurology recent issues https://ift.tt/2MSWhns
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Direct relationship between depression and inflammation called into question

Disputing other findings, researchers report there is no direct link between inflammation and depression. The study reports depression may only have a link to inflammation as a result of specific lifestyle features, such as smoking or obesity. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/36c8Vpt
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Biomarker for schizophrenia can be detected in human hair

Mouse models and human postmortem brain tissue sample studies reveal a subtype of schizophrenia is related to abnormally high levels of hydrogen sulfide in the brain. Hair follicle analysis of patients with this schizophrenia subtype revealed higher expression of MPST mRNA than in those without the condition. MPST is linked to the production of hydrogen sulfide. The findings may lead to new tests to determine if a patient has the schizophrenia subtype from a simple hair sample analysis. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/2PnxbyV
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November is Epilepsy Awareness Month!

By Jean Cibula, MD, FAES   November usually means the end of the hot weather and the start of the holiday season. It is also Epilepsy Awareness Month, and a time for talking about how epilepsy affects people’s lives. According to the Centers for Disease Control, approximately 3.5 million Americans have epilepsy, including half a million children. Epilepsy is the same thing as “recurrent seizures” or “seizure disorder”.  In the US, 1 in 10 people will have a seizure in their lifetime, but only 1-2 in 100 will have recurrent seizures. Most people with epilepsy do not have other physical or intellectual problems. When people first see us, they are often surprised that seizures can be a staring spell, inability to talk, or have limited neurological effects like shaking of the arm or leg as opposed to convulsions. Of course, TV has influenced our impressions, since convulsions are much more dramatic, but people don’t always talk about what their seizures are like. Seizures can last a fe
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Congratulations Chris Robinson 2020 Exemplary Teacher Award Winner

Please join us in congratulating our neurology faculty member Chris Robinson!  Dr. Robinson is a winner of 2020 College of Medicine Exemplary Teacher awards! Dr. Robinson has shown a commitment to the education of medical students, residents, and fellows, both informally during teaching rounds and also in his individuals accomplishments! Dr. Robinson serves as the MS2 Neuroscience Course co-director, reinventing the course completely to spark new interest in neurology among the students.  He also developed neurology-based simulation curriculum for trainees at many levels, including supplementary simulation curriculum for the ENLS course, and developed the model for our current resident-led clinical-pathological cases during Grand Rounds. His love of teaching is so strong that he even provides impromptu chalk-talks by drawing on the walls and doors of the ICU during rounds (in erasable marker). On behalf of the department, congratulations and thank you for your excellent commitmen
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Researchers Teach Rats to Drive

Researchers have trained rats to drive "rodent operated vehicles." The rats were able to navigate the vehicle in unique ways and utilized novel steering patterns to find rewards. The findings reveal rats' brains are more flexible than previously thought. Exploring how rats perform complex tasks may shed light on a range of mental health conditions and cognitive impairments. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/2MPR4gq
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A new theory of brain organization takes aim at the mystery of consciousness

Entropy during consciousness is higher than during unconscious states. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/32TjifB
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Vitamin B12 deficiency: what is Pernicious anemia, and why can it be so dangerous?

Pernicious anemia is an autoimmune disorder associated with vitamin B12 deficiency. The condition not only affects physical health, it also has a detrimental effect on the mental health of many who suffer from the condition. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/36644pD
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Comparison of [18F] FDG-PET/MRI and Clinical Findings for Assessment of Suspected Lumbar Facet Joint Pain: A Prospective Study to Characterize Candidate Nonanatomic Imaging Biomarkers and Potential Impact on Management

Fellows’ Journal Club Ten patients with clinically suspected facetogenic low back pain were prospectively recruited with a designation of specific facet joints implicated clinically. Subsequently, patients underwent an FDG-PET/MR imaging examination with gadolinium. Each facet joint was graded for perifacet signal change on MR imaging and FDG activity. The frequency and correlation of MR imaging, FDG-PET, and clinical findings were determined. There was low concordance of perifacet signal change and FDG activity with clinically implicated facet joints. This could indicate either the potential to change patient management or a lack of biomarker accuracy. Abstract Clinical concordance of the sides of pain and imaging findings, but discordance of specific implicated facet joints. Clinically, this patient had bilateral low back pain and had been prescribed bilateral L4–L5 and L5–S1 facet joint injections. There were high-grade MR imaging scores and increased FDG activity of the bi
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Loss of PTPRJ/DEP-1 enhances NF2/Merlin-dependent meningioma development

Meningiomas are common tumors in adults, which develop from the meningeal coverings of the brain and spinal cord. Loss-of-function mutations or deletion of the NF2 gene, resulting in loss of the encoded Merlin protein, lead to Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2), but also cause the formation of sporadic meningiomas. It was shown that inactivation of Nf2 in mice caused meningioma formation. Another meningioma tumor-suppressor candidate is the receptor-like density-enhanced phosphatase-1 (DEP-1), encoded by PTPRJ. from Journal of the Neurological Sciences https://ift.tt/32RBm9V
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Atrophic mammillary bodies with hypointensities on susceptibility-weighted images: A case-study in Korsakoff syndrome

Korsakoff syndrome (KS) is a largely irreversible residual syndrome mainly caused by chronic and excessive alcohol consumption with thiamine deficiency [1]. Some of KS are occurring after incomplete recovery from Wernicke encephalopathy (WE), however some does not follow a clear-cut WE episode [2]. Because some patients have a more insidious onset, KS is diagnosed more commonly in alcoholics at post-mortem than it is in life [3]. Although magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allows to visualise oedematous lesions in acute-phase WE, the neuroradiological diagnosis of chronic KS is difficult [4]. from Journal of the Neurological Sciences https://ift.tt/364AT6l
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Neuronal CISD2 plays a minor anti-inflammatory role in LPS-stimulated neuron-like SH-SY5Y cells

Emerging evidence suggests that neuroinflammation is an underlying cause of aging, neurodegeneration, and traumatic injury in the central nervous system (CNS) [1]. Anti-inflammatory treatment modalities therefore hold great promise in these pathological conditions. CISD2 (CDGSH iron sulfur domain 2), as an outer mitochondrial membrane protein, is beneficial against cellular apoptosis by maintaining mitochondrial integrity and thereby preventing mitochondrial dysfunction [2]. We previously found that CISD2 deficiency exacerbated mitochondrial dysfunction and augmented inflammatory cascades associated with aging, CNS disease or injury [1]. from Journal of the Neurological Sciences https://ift.tt/32PChrn
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Considering risk factors for the effectiveness of translational therapies in brain stroke

Multiple studies on cerebral ischemia have been performed in animal models to propose different strategies of neuroprotection that mitigate either the early or late consequences of the disease. These therapies have been successful in reducing the volume of infarction, the proinflammatory cascade, and the amount of free radicals, as well as reversing markers of neurodegeneration, among other events. However, when those strategies are translated to clinical studies, their effectiveness is not reproduced. from Journal of the Neurological Sciences https://ift.tt/2BKdI3h
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Cerebral amyloid angiopathy-related transient focal neurological episodes (CAA-TFNEs): A well-defined clinical-radiological syndrome

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), is a common degenerative small vessel disease of the ageing brain resulting from progressive amyloid deposition, predominantly in small arteries and arterioles of the cortex and leptomeninges [1]. CAA is more relevant than ever, since it can now be readily diagnosed during life using validated neuroimaging criteria (aka the Boston criteria) [2,3], particularly with the widespread use of blood-sensitive T2* MRI sequences. Consequently, the dominant theme of CAA-related clinical research and practice in the last decade or so has been the growing appreciation of the diverse manifestations of the disease [4,5]. from Journal of the Neurological Sciences https://ift.tt/2BMP9ms
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Diagnostic Impact of Intracranial Vessel Wall MRI in 205 Patients with Ischemic Stroke or TIA

Editor’s Choice This was a single-center, retrospective study of 205 consecutive patients who were referred for vessel wall MR imaging to clarify the etiology of an ischemic stroke or TIA. An expert panel classified stroke etiology before and after incorporating vessel wall MR imaging results using a modified Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment system. Vessel wall MR imaging altered the etiologic classification in 55% (112/205) of patients. The proportion of patients classified as having intracranial arteriopathy not otherwise specified decreased from 31% to 4% (64/205 versus 9/205) and the proportion classified as having intracranial atherosclerotic disease increased from 23% to 57%. When vessel wall MR imaging is performed to clarify the etiology of a stroke or TIA, it frequently alters the etiologic classification, which is the basis for therapeutic decision-making. Abstract BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Representative case with conventional stroke work-up with negat
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21 practical and handy obstetric neurology checklists

Obstetric neurology is stepping out of the shadows Expertise is expanding, and so is the knowledge Guidelines are sprouting, and care is getting specialized It is difficult to keep up with the rapid pace of developments But neurochecklists can help. For a taster, here are 21 handy and practical checklists Indispensable, we may add Preeclampsia: […] via 21 practical and handy obstetric neurology checklists — Neurochecklists Blog from The Neurology Lounge https://ift.tt/2PlvhyQ
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External trigeminal nerve stimulation: Potential rescue treatment for acute vestibular migraine

Vestibular migraine (VM) is the most common neurologic cause of vertigo among adults. However, there are no specifically studied or approved rescue therapies for acute VM attacks. This study describes how external trigeminal nerve stimulation (eTNS) using the Cefaly® (CEFALY Technology, Seraing, Belgium) device relieves acute VM episodes. from Journal of the Neurological Sciences https://ift.tt/2BMPTI0
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The prevalence and clinical associations of disproportionately enlarged subarachnoid space hydrocephalus (DESH), an imaging feature of idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus in community and memory clinic based Singaporean cohorts

Disproportionately Enlarged Subarachnoid space Hydrocephalus (DESH) is considered as an important imaging feature of idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH). from Journal of the Neurological Sciences https://ift.tt/340ptie
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A novel homoplasmic mitochondrial DNA mutation (m.13376T>C, p.I347T) of MELAS presenting characteristic medial temporal lobe atrophy

Mitochondrial myopathy, encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS) is a maternally inherited mitochondrial cytopathy that usually affects people under 40 years of age with variable symptoms [1]. The prevalence of MELAS syndrome in Japan was reported to be 0.2: 100,000 [2]. MELAS can be diagnosed by serum analyses under an aerobic exercise test, brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), muscle biopsy and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis [3]. Approximately 80% of MELAS cases are caused by a mutation m.3243A > G of the mitochondrial transfer RNA gene [4]. from Journal of the Neurological Sciences https://ift.tt/36774Cg
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New study on early human fire acquisition squelches debate

Study reveals Neanderthals were able to generate fire, disputing the common theory that Homo Sapiens were the original fire starters. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/2PkDfIh
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Only half of US children get enough sleep during the week

52% of children aged between 6 and 17 in the USA are not getting the recommended amount of sleep during the week. Children who sleep 9 or more hours a night showed more interest in learning, improved social behavior, and an increased desire to do well at school. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/2pcQu36
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What 26,000 books reveal when it comes to learning language

Machine learning finds you can take a person's language behavior and estimate the types of material they have read. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/2BIdXvZ
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How our brains remember things depends upon how we learn them

Neural pathways for learning differ depending on how each person has learned a new skill. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/32PGyvg
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Reduced lifespan associated with mental health disorders

People with mood and substance use disorders have reduced lifespan compared to their peers without a mental health disorder. Those with mood disorders have an increased death risk as a result of health conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Men with mood disorders experience a reduced life expectancy of 7.9 years, and women 6.2 years, compared to those with no history of depression or anxiety. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/2JCoRb1
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Schizophrenia risk gene linked to cognitive deficits

SETD1A, a gene associated with schizophrenia, stunts the growth and branching of dendrites and reduces the number of dendritic spines. Reinstating the normal expression of SETD1A in mouse models restored working memory function. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/2BKGoZY
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Babies understand counting years earlier than believed

Counting directs an infant's attention to numerical aspects of their environment, proving they recognize counting as numerically relevant years before acquiring the meaning of number words. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/31MGL0X
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Speaker Announcement – Sepideh Mokhtari, MD

Tuesday January 7,  2020 12 pm- 1 pm Invited Neurology Grand Rounds Speaker Sepideh Mokhtari MD   Neuro-oncological Aspects of Neurofibromatosis Location: McKnight Brain Institute, DeWeese Auditorium, LG-101   Dr. Sepideh Mokhtari is an Assistant Member in the Department of Neuro-Oncology at Moffitt Cancer Center. Dr. Mokhtari received her medical degree from Texas A&M College of Medicine in Temple, TX. She completed a Neurology Residency at Houston Methodist Hospital, where she also served as Chief Resident. She most recently completed a Neuro-Oncology Fellowship at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Dr. Mokhtari’s clinical interests are primarily in brain tumors and neurologic complications of cancer. Her research focus is neurologic complications of immunotherapy  and paraneoplastic syndromes. In addition, her research interests include patients with neurofibromatosis with plexiform neurofibromas, meningiomas, acoustic neuromas and ependymomas. She is the director
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Parcellation-based tractographic modeling of the ventral attention network

The ventral attention network (VAN) is an important mediator of stimulus-driven attention. Multiple cortical areas, such as the middle and inferior frontal gyri, anterior insula, inferior parietal lobule, and temporo-parietal junction have been linked in this processing. However, knowledge of network connectivity has been devoid of structural specificity. from Journal of the Neurological Sciences https://ift.tt/2JjQDsw
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How jazz improvisation affects the brain

Musical improvisation improves cognitive flexibility and increases inhibitory control. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/2WbqSQg
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Mindfulness meditation enhances positive effects of psilocybin

Mindful meditation enhances the positive effects of a single dose of psilocybin by increasing empathy and reducing egocentricity. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/2qK5SER
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Young moms more likely to have kids with ADHD

While there is a clear genetic link between young mothers and ADHD in their children, the association is not necessarily causal. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/2pd5Vs5
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Gut instincts: Researchers discover first clues on how gut health influences brain health

Mice bred to be germ-free, and those treated with antibiotics showed a significant reduction in the ability to learn that a threatening danger was no longer present. Sequencing the RNA of microglia in the brains of the animals reveals altered gene expression in the immune cells, which play a role in remodeling how neurons connect during the learning process. Restoring the gut microbiota reverse the learning problems. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/2Pneag9
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Age-related changes in the allocation of spatially directed focal attention

Congratulations Dr. Kenneth Heilman on the publication of “Age-related changes in the allocation of spatially directed focal attention,” which was published in the October issue of Aging, Neuropsychology, and Cognition.   ABSTRACT Objectives : Leftward deviation on a horizontal line bisection test (pseudoneglect) might be induced by right hemispheric dominance for mediating spatial or global attention, or a hemispheric asymmetry in the ability to spatially disengage attention. With aging, this leftward bias is reduced, likely due to the aging-related deterioration of right hemisphere mediated functions (right hemi-aging) or hemispheric asymmetry reduction in old adults (HAROLD). Methods : Forty-seven healthy adults divided into younger and older groups performed a modified Posner spatial-attentional task. Results : Overall, younger individuals responded faster to left than right-sided imperative stimuli. In contrast, older participants did not reveal a right-left asymmetry to i
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A possible gut-brain connection to ‘chemo brain’

Manipulating gut bacteria in mice before chemotherapy reduces the mental fog of "chemo brain." from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/33ONc4W
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Human leukocyte antigens class II in CIDP spectrum neuropathies

CIDP spectrum encompasses several clinical variants and the reasons of the heterogeneous clinical expression and the variable response to therapy are scarcely known.HLA associations are common in dysimmune conditions. In CIDP, few studies reported no associations or HLA-DR13/DQ6 association in some populations but, to date, a clear confirmed association is lacking.We analyzed expression of HLA-DR and DQ haplotypes in 24 CIDP patients and 216 healthy subject.HLA-DR3 and DR3/DQ2 were significantly more frequent in CIDP patients than in the control group. from Journal of the Neurological Sciences https://ift.tt/2oc76HP
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Neurotransmitters in an instant

A new method allows researchers to detect serotonin at extremely low concentrations in serum. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/2pHyi1z
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Even the fetus has gut bacteria

Both human and mouse fetuses have their own microbiome, which is transmitted from the mother. Findings provide new avenues for interventions during pregnancy to stimulate the fetal microbiome when the mother shows risk of premature birth. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/2N9oEwG
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