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Showing posts from November, 2019

Tai Chi brings benefits for people with dementia

Tai Chi improved quality of life and reduced falls in older people with dementia. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/2L8AGpX

Your big brain makes you human – count your neurons when you count your blessings

Study looks at the evolutionary development of the human brain. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/2L8wrL1

Aerobic exercise and heart-healthy diet may slow development of memory problems

Combining aerobic exercise with the heart-healthy DASH diet improved the ability to think, recall, and make decisions in older people who experienced cognitive decline and mild cognitive impairment. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/2R1Eo8v

Why people say things they later regret

You are more likely to disclose personal information you would rather keep concealed when you are most awake and alert. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/2XZKacb

A case of M232R genetic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease with Lewy bodies

Sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (sCJD) and Lewy body disease (LBD) exhibit widely overlapping clinical symptoms and are often difficult to diagnose [1]. While several cases of sCJD with LBD have been reported on post-mortem neuropathological examinations [2], there have been no neuropathological or clinical reports of M232R genetic CJD (gCJD) with LBD. Here, we report a case of M232R gCJD with LBD based on neuropathological examinations. from Journal of the Neurological Sciences https://ift.tt/2QYjB5S

Genetic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease mimicking dementia with Lewy bodies: Clinical and radiological findings

It is important to distinguish Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) from other rapidly progressive dementia disorders to provide appropriate clinical care and prevent iatrogenic transmission. However, the differentiation between patients with CJD (there are sporadic [sCJD], acquired, and genetic CJD [gCJD]) and those with Alzheimer's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), the two main causes of neurodegenerative dementia among elderly people, is sometimes difficult, especially in the early stages [1,2]. from Journal of the Neurological Sciences https://ift.tt/2rDGzV2

Late onset absolute neutropenia associated with ocrelizumab treatment in multiple sclerosis: A case report and review of the literature

Ocrelizumab is a recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody approved for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) directed against CD20, a membrane glycosylated protein expressed on B-lymphocytes, but not plasma cells or neutrophils. Ocrelizumab structure and mechanism of action are related to rituximab, which has been used for years in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. The precise mechanisms through which ocrelizumab exerts its therapeutic clinical effects are not fully elucidated but, likely, CD20 binding leads to antibody-dependent cellular cytolysis and complement-mediated lysis of CD20 expressing cells [1]. from Journal of the Neurological Sciences https://ift.tt/37OLumI

Ingested ACTH blocks Th17 production by inhibiting GALT IL-6

EAE is an inflammatory autoimmune process of the CNS that resembles multiple sclerosis (MS) and provides a useful animal model for the evaluation of mechanisms of action for potential immunomodulatory therapies. Oral ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) can decrease clinical disease, IL-17 and Th1-like encephalitogenic IFN-γ secretion and increase Treg frequency. The mechanism by which oral ACTH decreases inflammatory proteins and increases Treg cell frequencies is unknown.OBJECTIVE: IL-6 is a pivotal cytokine in the gut that determines the relative frequencies of Th17 vs Treg cells. from Journal of the Neurological Sciences https://ift.tt/2q1WRqE

Efficacy upon 12-weeks after achievement of maximal dose and tolerability of lacosamide as an adjunctive therapy in epilepsy: Real world clinical experience

Lacosamide (LCM) is a new generation antiepileptic drug. It has only been available in Asia in recent years. A retrospective study at two hospitals in Hong Kong was performed to investigate the post-marketing efficacy and tolerability of the drug. A total of 81 subjects were recruited, among which 88% had drug-resistant epilepsy. The most common type of epilepsy was focal with unknown etiology. All patients used LCM as adjunctive therapy. The 50% responder rate was 42% at 12 weeks after achievement of maximal dose of LCM. from Journal of the Neurological Sciences https://ift.tt/37Id8BP

Quality of life outcomes after deep brain stimulation in dystonia: A systematic review

Congratulations Drs. Takashi Tsuboi, Joshua K.Wong, Michael S.Okun, and Adolfo Ramirez-Zamora on the publication of “Quality of life outcomes after deep brain stimulation in dystonia: A systematic review, in the November 18th online edition of Parkinsonism & Related Disorders. Abstract Dystonia is an incurable movement disorder which can cause not only physical but also mental problems, leading to impaired health-related quality of life (HRQoL). For patients with dystonia refractory to medical treatment, deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a well-established surgical treatment. The objective of this systematic review is to provide a better understanding of HRQoL outcomes after DBS for dystonia. A search of the literature was conducted using Medline (PubMed), Embase, and Cochrane Library databases in May 2019. HRQoL outcomes after DBS along with motor outcomes were reported in a total of 36 articles involving 610 patients: 21 articles on inherited or idiopathic isolated dystonia, 5

Irregularly shaped parks reduce mortality risk

A significant link between the spatial distribution of urban greenspace and mortality risk has been established in a new study. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/2KYm9x9

Why do we freeze when startled? New study points to serotonin

When fruit flies experience an unexpected change in its surroundings, serotonin produced in the ventral nerve cord slows the insect down. The findings may shed light on the neurobiological mechanisms of human startle response. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/2Ores4I

Teaching NeuroImages: When MRI is a clue in episodic ataxia

A 3-year-old girl presented with episodic ataxia for the past month. It lasted for 1–2 days continuously after a febrile illness. MRI was suggestive of a neurometabolic disorder (figure, A–L). Plasma valine and leucine and urinary branched-chain aminoacids were elevated. Clinical exome revealed a homozygous, missense, pathogenic variation in BCKDHB gene (exon 5, chr6:80878686A>C; p.His191Pro). from Neurology recent issues https://ift.tt/33kkWWY

Teaching NeuroImages: Autoimmune glial fibrillary acidic protein meningoencephalomyelitis

A 73-year-old woman with myelodysplastic syndrome presented with 2 months of decline in cognition and mobility, accompanied by headache and weight loss. Examination revealed a somnolent woman with symmetric cogwheel rigidity, bradykinesia, arm myoclonus, and hyperreflexia. Brain MRI showed leptomeningeal, linear/stippled parenchymal, and ependymal enhancement (figure 1). Spine MRI demonstrated nonenhancing cervicothoracic cord signal change and circumferential enhancement of conus medullaris with central canal enhancement (figure 2). CSF was inflammatory with glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)–immunoglobulin G (IgG). The patient responded promptly to IV methylprednisolone. GFAP-IgG identifies a severe but highly corticosteroid-responsive autoimmune meningoencephalomyelitis with distinctive MRI findings. 1,2 from Neurology recent issues https://ift.tt/34l4MhE

Neuroscientists develop models to identify internal states of the brain

The machine learning model may be widely adopted to identify connections between neural activity and natural behavior. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/2OJjTe5

An Ultra High Performance Liquid Chromatography-High Resolution Mass Spectrometry Metabolomics and Lipidomics Study of Stool from Transgenic Parkinson’s Disease Mice Following Immunotherapy

Congratulations Drs. Okun and Vedam-Mai. on the publication of “An Ultra High Performance Liquid Chromatography-High Resolution Mass Spectrometry Metabolomics and Lipidomics Study of Stool from Transgenic Parkinson’s Disease Mice Following Immunotherapy,” in the November issue of the Journal of Proteome Research. Abstract Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta of the brain as well as degeneration of motor and non-motor circuitry. The cause of neuronal death is currently unknown, although chronic neuroinflammation, aggregated α-synuclein, mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress have all been implicated. Gliosis has been shown to exacerbate neuroinflammation via secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and there is a subse-quent infiltration of T lymphocytes (T-cells), into the brain of PD patients. Using liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS), we have observed metabolomi

How our dreams prepare us to face our fears

Study identified the neural correlates of fear during dreaming and reports similar areas are activated when experiencing fear during wakeful states. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/2KSngyk

Babies in the womb may see more than we thought

Light sensitive cells in the fetal retina communicate as part of an interconnected network, giving the retina more light sensitivity during development that previously believed. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/2qM8sdz

Study shows extra virgin olive oil staves off multiple forms of dementia in mice

Extra virgin olive oil may protect against cognitive declines linked to tauopathy diseases, specifically frontotemporal dementia. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/2QP8trV

Evaluation of Lower-Dose Spiral Head CT for Detection of Intracranial Findings Causing Neurologic Deficits

Fellows’ Journal Club Projection data from 83 patients undergoing unenhanced spiral head CT for suspected neurologic deficits were collected. A routine dose was obtained using 250 effective mAs and iterative reconstruction. Lower-dose configurations were reconstructed (25-effective mAs iterative reconstruction, 50-effective mAs filtered back-projection and iterative reconstruction, 100-effective mAs filtered back-projection and iterative reconstruction, 200-effective mAs filtered back-projection). Three neuroradiologists circled findings, indicating diagnosis, confidence, and image quality. The routine-dose jackknife alternative free-response receiver operating characteristic figure of merit was 0.87. Noninferiority was shown for 100-effective mAs iterative reconstruction and 200-effective mAs filtered back-projection, but not for100-effective mAs filtered back-projection. The authors conclude that substantial opportunity exists for dose reduction using spiral nonenhanced head CT and

Prolonged Microgravity Affects Human Brain Structure and Function

Editor’s Choice Brain MR imaging scans of National Aeronautics and Space Administration astronauts were retrospectively analyzed to quantify pre- to postflight changes in brain structure. Local structural changes were assessed using the Jacobian determinant. Structural changes were compared with clinical findings and cognitive and motor function. Long-duration spaceflights aboard the International Space Station, but not short-duration Space Shuttle flights, resulted in a significant increase in the percentage of total ventricular volume change (10.7% versus 0%). The percentage of total ventricular volume change was significantly associated with mission duration but negatively associated with age. Pre- to postflight structural changes of the left caudate correlated significantly with poor postural control, and the right primary motor area/midcingulate correlated significantly with a complex motor task completion time. These findings suggest that brain structural changes are associated

United in musical diversity

There are universal properties of music that reflect deeper commonalities in human cognition. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/34fzEQp

Turning to turkey’s tryptophan to boost mood? Not so fast

Research examines the myths and science behind how the amino acid tryptophan, associated with turkey, affects mood. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/2s6c22v

Urban green space can prevent premature deaths

A meta-analysis of nine longitudinal studies reveals urban green spaces are significantly associated with a reduction in premature mortality. A 4% reduction in premature mortality was linked to each increment of 0.1 in vegetation score within 500 meters of residential buildings. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/2OeCeAM

Postoperative hyperglycemia predicts symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage after endovascular treatment in patients with acute anterior circulation large artery occlusion

Acute phase hyperglycemia is independently associated with an increased risk of death and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) in stroke patients treated with intravenous thrombolysis. Whether postoperative hyperglycemia is an independent predictor of sICH after endovascular therapy remains unknown. Here, we assessed whether hyperglycemia after endovascular therapy can predict sICH. from Journal of the Neurological Sciences https://ift.tt/2QI8lKI

One‑carbon metabolism factor MTHFR variant is associated with saccade latency in Spinocerebellar Ataxia type 2

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2) is a neurodegenerative disorder due to a CAG-repeat expansion. This work is intended to identify modifiers of the clinical phenotype in SCA2, following up on recent genome-wide association analyses that demonstrated the prominent role of DNA-damage repair and methylation for the severity and progression of polyglutamine diseases. In particular, we assessed the impact of MTHFR as rate-limiting enzyme in DNA methylation pathways, which modulates cerebellar neurotransmission and motor neuron atrophy. from Journal of the Neurological Sciences https://ift.tt/2D7rw8X

Timing to start anticoagulants after acute ischemic stroke with non-valvular atrial fibrillation

To identify timing for initiation of anticoagulation therapy in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) with non-valvular AF as regards safety and efficacy by detecting the rate of intracranial haemorrhage (ICH) and recurrent ischemic symptoms (RIS) during follow-up. from Journal of the Neurological Sciences https://ift.tt/2D9gj7D

What leads to compulsive alcohol use?

A network linking the medial prefrontal cortex and brainstem plays a critical role in the development of compulsive drinking disorder and is a driver for its expression. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/34oVctS

How the brain decides to punish or not

The bilateral claustrum, right inferior frontal gyrus, and left superior frontal gyrus remain active during activities involving social punishment. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/2KMsz23

Science underestimated dangerous effects of sleep deprivation

Findings debunk the common theory that attention is the only cognitive function affected by sleep deprivation. Lack of sleep also hinders a person's ability to complete activities that require following multiple steps. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/2OagW7a

Increased use of antibiotics may predispose to Parkinson’s disease

Excessive exposure to certain antibiotics can predispose a person to Parkinson's disease, with a delay of onset of up to 15 years. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/35oxKx9

Is CMT-X a risk factor for MS?

X linked Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and multiple sclerosis: emerging evidence for an association Koutsis G, Breza M, Velonakis G, et al. JNNP 2019; 90:187-194. Abstract OBJECTIVE: X linked Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMTX) is a hereditary neuropathy caused by mutations in GJB1 coding for connexin-32, a gap junction protein expressed in Schwann cells, but also found in oligodendrocytes. Four patients […] via Is CMT-X a risk factor for MS? — Neurochecklists Blog from The Neurology Lounge https://ift.tt/2OBcMEl

Scientists find promising drug combination against lethal childhood brain cancers

Researchers have discovered a pair of drugs that work together to kill cancer cells and counter genetic mutations that cause diffuse midline gliomas. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/35nQgWj

That Research Subject's Confidentiality? How Facial Recognition Software Could Compromise It

No abstract available from Neurology Today - Current Issue https://ift.tt/337RlQs

The Recipient of a Prized Leadership Award in Stroke Takes the Road Less Traveled

No abstract available from Neurology Today - Current Issue https://ift.tt/37p7qF0

How These Neurologists and Neuroethicists Navigate the Difficult Ethical Questions

No abstract available from Neurology Today - Current Issue https://ift.tt/35qhpbp

Too Much Sleep Increases Cognitive Decline in Latino Communities

No abstract available from Neurology Today - Current Issue https://ift.tt/2O9L8zq

New Alzheimer’s risk gene discovered

Study implicates a genetic variation within a segment of the Mucin 6 gene as a new risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer's disease. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/2ObgDsV

Simulations suggest embryo selection based on traits like height or IQ is still far off

The ability to select specific traits, such as height or IQ, brought about by multiple genes is more complicated than most people realize. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/349tfGF

Exposure to PM 2.5 pollution linked to brain atrophy and memory decline

Older women exposed to higher levels of air pollution were more likely to experience greater memory decline and Alzheimer's-like brain atrophy compared with those exposed to cleaner air. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/332qVzO

Severe pregnancy-related depression may be rooted in inflammation

Inflammatory factors appear to contribute to pregnancy-related depression onset and severity. Researchers found elevated levels of IL-6 and IL-8 and reduced levels of IL-2 in blood samples taken from blood samples of pregnant women who reported symptoms of depression. Additionally, they found serotonin was drastically reduced. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/35g7Zz4

Could psychedelic drugs be a new treatment option for people with depression?

Study discussed the benefits of using psychedelics as an antidepressant option for those with depression. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/2XBZhsj

Dr. Kenneth Heilman earns prestigious award

Congratulations to University of Florida distinguished professor emeritus Dr. Kenneth Heilman for earning the Distinguished Lifetime Contribution to Neuropsychology Award from the National Academy of Neuropsychology (NAN). The award is NAN’s most prestigious and is given to a senior scholar who has made significant scientific, intellectual and training-related contributions to the field of neuropsychology. from Department of Neurology » College of Medicine » University of Florida https://ift.tt/2QDaqaQ

NMD Takes the Immune Road to NDD

Proper mRNA quality control prevents immune activation; when it goes awry, mice and flies develop abnormal behavioral phenotypes. In this issue of Neuron, Johnson et al. (2019) report that inhibiting nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) contributes to the pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD) phenotypes by triggering aberrant immune activation. from journals https://ift.tt/2D2tM16

Nanoscale Location Matters: Emerging Principles of Ca2+ Channel Organization at the Presynaptic Active Zone

How does diversity in the organization of secretory machines determine properties of neurotransmitter release? In this issue of Neuron, Rebola et al. (2019) found that distinct nanoscale assemblies of Ca2+ channels and Munc13, not overall channel abundance, mediate differing release characteristics of two cerebellar synapses. from journals https://ift.tt/2Ou4Ep9

Decreasing Influence of Retinal Inputs on the Developing Visual Cortex

Before vision matures, spontaneous retinal activity drives downstream visual targets. In this issue of Neuron, Gribizis et al. (2019) image activity simultaneously in connected mouse visual areas and demonstrate distinct developmental patterns of signal transformation in thalamocortical versus retinocollicular pathways. from journals https://ift.tt/2CZGTjx

Cortex-wide Computations in Complex Decision Making in Mice

Seemingly, a paradox exists between reports of wide-scale task-dependent cortical activity and the causal requirement for only a restricted number of motor and sensory cortical areas in some behavioral studies. In this issue of Neuron, Pinto et al. (2019) indicate that scenarios where mice must accumulate evidence and hold it during a delay period are causally linked to wide regions of cortex. from journals https://ift.tt/2XveiMs

Activity-Dependent Transcription Collaborates with Local Dendritic Translation to Encode Stimulus-Specificity in the Genome Binding of NPAS4

A new study in Cell (Brigidi et al., 2019) shows that local dendritic versus somatic translation of the neuronal activity-inducible transcription factor NPAS4 drives the formation of distinct heterodimers that enable stimulus-specificity to be encoded into the pattern of NPAS4 binding across the genome. from journals https://ift.tt/33aJK40

Young children can learn math skills from intelligent virtual characters

Children exposed to virtual interactive characters in educational games learned more quickly and were more accurate in math responses when playing a virtual game. Findings suggest a child's interaction with virtual characters could help improve the learning of basic early math skills. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/35jz6Jn

Beauty in the biased eye of the beholder

When we see a painting, we rate its aesthetic value based upon other artwork we have just seen. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/2XvYoS5

Inflammatory processes drive progression of Alzheimer’s and other brain diseases

The NLPR3 inflammasome and the inflammatory response it triggers play a critical role in the emergence of tau pathology. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/35obL9M

Yoga and physical therapy as treatment for chronic lower back pain also improves sleep

Following 12 weeks of yoga instruction, people with chronic lower back pain reported a significant improvement in symptoms and better sleep over 52 weeks. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/2CXx9Gv

Virtual ‘moonwalk’ for science reveals distortions in spatial memory

Memories learned within a distorted coordinated system are also distorted when recalled later. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/2pumK1Q

‘Face blindness’ may involve a failed brain network, and could shed light on autism

Prosopagnosia, or "face-blindness", involves an entire network, not just one area of the brain. The findings may shed light on poor facial processing abilities associated with autism. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/2rac3lu

Does migraine reduce the risk of diabetes?

Associations between migraine and type 2 diabetes in women: findings from the E3N Cohort Study Fagherazzi G, El Fatouhi D, Fournier A, et al. JAMA Neurol 2019; 76:257-263. Abstract BACKGROUND: Little is known about the associations between migraine and type 2 diabetes and the temporality of the association between these 2 diseases. To evaluate the […] via Does migraine reduce the risk of diabetes? — Neurochecklists Blog from The Neurology Lounge https://ift.tt/2QyFdFD

Trash talk hurts, even when it comes from a robot

Discouraging words from a robot can hinder a person's ability to play a game. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/2qwZNvB

A novel AIFM1 missense mutation in a Japanese patient with ataxic sensory neuronopathy and hearing impairment

Apoptosis-Inducing Factor Mitochondria-associated-1 gene (AIFM1) encodes a mitochondrial flavin adenine dinucleotide-dependent nicotinamide oxidoreductase, which has a biological role in oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and in apoptosis pathway [1]. AIFM1 mutations have been reported to be associated with various neurological diseases, including Cowchock syndrome (OMIM 310490) [2], X-linked recessive Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease-4 (CMTX4), X-linked deafness-5 (DFNX5; OMIM 300614) [3], and hypomyelinating leukodystrophy and spondylometaphyseal dysplasia (H-SMD) [4]. from Journal of the Neurological Sciences https://ift.tt/37j0JUQ

Cannabis found not to be a substitute for opioids

Study finds no evidence to suggest cannabis helps patients with opioid use disorder to stop using opioids. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/2O0kU28

Predicting Alzheimer’s disease-like memory loss before it strikes

Sharp-wave ripple activity in the brain may be an early biomarker for Alzheimer's disease before cognitive impairment begins. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/2KCkrBr

Brain scans reveal how the human brain compensates when one hemisphere is removed

The brains of adults who received hemispherectomies as children had unusually strong connections between functional brain networks in the remaining hemisphere, which help the body to function as if the brain were intact. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/340aeq4

Ayahuasca DMT compound changes brainwaves to vivid ‘waking-dream’ state

DMT alters electrical activity in the brain. The compound significantly decreases alpha wave activity, the dominant rhythm associated with wakefulness, and increases theta waves, associated with dreaming. Overall brain activity becomes more chaotic and less predictable. The findings advance the understanding of the neurobiological underpinnings of immersive states of consciousness. from Neuroscience News https://ift.tt/342PfCZ

Three Reasons Your Practice Should Have a Facebook Page

“How would you like patients to contact your practice?” asked Jeff Takacs in his session intro at the annual meeting of the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) . “Your answer should be: However they prefer.” For many patients, that preference includes Facebook. Nearly 70 percent of all Americans are on Facebook, according to a 2018 survey by the Pew Research Center . Knowing this, many people in the medical practice management space are turning to this social network to engage with current and future patients. At this year’s MGMA meeting, Takacs, who is the Director of Content for MGMA, ran an interactive session on these very issues. “When prospective patients go to your Facebook page, take advantage of their familiarity with the app to get them scheduled,” he said. Session attendees agreed, with many reporting use of a dedicated person to continuously monitor their Facebook page. The cost of this in man hours as well as paid advertising seemed to be well worth it, consid