Brain Sciences

23 pages, 4934 KiB

Open AccessReview

Predictive Value of CT Perfusion in Hemorrhagic Transformation after Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

by Jie Xu, Fangyu Dai, Binda Wang, Yiming Wang, Jiaqian Li, Lulan Pan, Jingjing Liu, Haipeng Liu and Songbin He

Brain Sci. 2023, 13(1), 156; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13010156 - 16 Jan 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2544

Abstract

Background: Existing studies indicate that some computed tomography perfusion (CTP) parameters may predict hemorrhagic transformation (HT) after acute ischemic stroke (AIS), but there is an inconsistency in the conclusions alongside a lack of comprehensive comparison. Objective: To comprehensively evaluate the predictive value of [...] Read more.

Background: Existing studies indicate that some computed tomography perfusion (CTP) parameters may predict hemorrhagic transformation (HT) after acute ischemic stroke (AIS), but there is an inconsistency in the conclusions alongside a lack of comprehensive comparison. Objective: To comprehensively evaluate the predictive value of CTP parameters in HT after AIS. Data sources: A systematical literature review of existing studies was conducted up to 1st October 2022 in six mainstream databases that included original data on the CTP parameters of HT and non-HT groups or on the diagnostic performance of relative cerebral blood flow (rCBF), relative permeability-surface area product (rPS), or relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV) in patients with AIS that completed CTP within 24 h of onset. Data Synthesis: Eighteen observational studies were included. HT and non-HT groups had statistically significant differences in CBF, CBV, PS, rCBF, rCBV, and rPS (p < 0.05 for all). The hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic (HSROC) revealed that rCBF (area under the curve (AUC) = 0.9), rPS (AUC = 0.89), and rCBV (AUC = 0.85) had moderate diagnostic performances in predicting HT. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of rCBF were 0.85 (95% CI, 0.75–0.91) and 0.83 (95% CI, 0.63–0.94), respectively. Conclusions: rCBF, rPS, and rCBV had moderate diagnostic performances in predicting HT, and rCBF had the best pooled sensitivity and specificity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Diagnosis and Management of Acute Ischemic Stroke)

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11 pages, 1165 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Screening Children’s Intellectual Disabilities with Phonetic Features, Facial Phenotype and Craniofacial Variability Index

by Yuhe Chen, Simeng Ma, Xiaoyu Yang, Dujuan Liu and Jun Yang

Brain Sci. 2023, 13(1), 155; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13010155 - 16 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1721

Abstract

Background: Intellectual Disability (ID) is a kind of developmental deficiency syndrome caused by congenital diseases or postnatal events. This syndrome could be intervened as soon as possible if its early screening was efficient, which may improve the condition of patients and enhance their [...] Read more.

Background: Intellectual Disability (ID) is a kind of developmental deficiency syndrome caused by congenital diseases or postnatal events. This syndrome could be intervened as soon as possible if its early screening was efficient, which may improve the condition of patients and enhance their self-care ability. The early screening of ID is always achieved by clinical interview, which needs in-depth participation of medical professionals and related medical resources. Methods: A new method for screening ID has been proposed by analyzing the facial phenotype and phonetic characteristic of young subjects. First, the geometric features of subjects’ faces and phonetic features of subjects’ voice are extracted from interview videos, then craniofacial variability index (CVI) is calculated with the geometric features and the risk of ID is given with the measure of CVI. Furthermore, machine learning algorithms are utilized to establish a method for further screening ID based on facial features and phonetic features. Results: The proposed method using three feature sets, including geometric features, CVI features and phonetic features was evaluated. The best performance of accuracy was closer to 80%. Conclusions: The results using the three feature sets revealed that the proposed method may be applied in a clinical setting in the future after continuous improvement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Developmental Neuroscience)

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19 pages, 2365 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Gait Indicators Contribute to Screening Cognitive Impairment: A Single- and Dual-Task Gait Study

by Xiaoqin Wang, Wuhan Yu, Lihong Huang, Mengyu Yan, Wenbo Zhang, Jiaqi Song, Xintong Liu, Weihua Yu and Yang Lü

Brain Sci. 2023, 13(1), 154; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13010154 - 16 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1518

Abstract

Background: Screening cognitive impairment is complex and not an appliance for early screening. Gait performance is strongly associated with cognitive impairment. Objectives: We aimed to explore gait indicators that could potentially screen cognitive dysfunction. Methods: A total of 235 subjects were recruited [...] Read more.

Background: Screening cognitive impairment is complex and not an appliance for early screening. Gait performance is strongly associated with cognitive impairment. Objectives: We aimed to explore gait indicators that could potentially screen cognitive dysfunction. Methods: A total of 235 subjects were recruited from June 2021 to June 2022. Four gait tasks, including the walking test, the timed “Up & Go” test (TUG), foot pressure balance (FPB), and one-legged standing with eyes closed test (OLS-EC), were performed. Moreover, in the walking test, participants were instructed to walk at their usual pace for the single-gait test. For the dual-task tests, participants walked at their usual pace while counting backward from 100 by 1s. The data were analyzed by the independent sample t-test, univariate and multivariate logistic regression, a linear trend, stratified and interaction analysis, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and Pearson’s correlations. Results: Among the 235 participants, 81 (34.5%) were men and 154 (65.5%) were women. The mean age of participants was 72 ± 7.836 years. The control, MCI, mild AD, and severe AD groups had means of 71, 63, 71, and 30, respectively. After adjusting for age, sex, education, and body mass index (BMI), the dual-task toe-off-ground angle (TOA) (odds ratio (OR) = 0.911, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.847, 0.979), single-task TOA (OR = 0.904, 95% CI: 0.841–0.971), and the timed “Up & Go” time (TUGT) (OR = 1.515, 95% CI: 1.243–1.846) were significantly associated with an increased risk of cognitive impairment. In addition, the trend test and stratified analysis results had no significant differences (all p > 0.05). The area under the roc curve (AUC) values of TOA in the dual-task and TUGT were 0.812 and 0.847, respectively. Additionally, TOA < 36.75° in the dual-task, TOA < 38.90° in the single-task, and TUGT > 9.83 seconds (s) are likely to indicate cognitive impairment. The cognitive assessment scale scores were significantly correlated with TOA (all r > 0.3, p < 0.001) and TUGT (all r > 0.2), respectively. Conclusion: TOA and TUGT scores are, in some circumstances, associated with cognitive impairment; therefore, they can be used as simple initial screenings to identify patients at risk. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neurobiology of Choice Behavior)

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13 pages, 4571 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Sex Differences in the Level of Homocysteine in Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease Patients: A Meta-Analysis

by V. Phu Nguyen, Andrila E. Collins, Jordan P. Hickey, Julia A. Pfeifer and Bettina E. Kalisch

Brain Sci. 2023, 13(1), 153; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13010153 - 15 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2220

Abstract

Although recent studies suggest homocysteine (Hcy) is an independent risk factor for neurodegenerative disorders, little is known about sex differences in the levels of Hcy. In this study, we conducted a comparative meta-analysis to investigate sex differences in the levels of Hcy in [...] Read more.

Although recent studies suggest homocysteine (Hcy) is an independent risk factor for neurodegenerative disorders, little is known about sex differences in the levels of Hcy. In this study, we conducted a comparative meta-analysis to investigate sex differences in the levels of Hcy in both Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients. Reports of Hcy stratified by sex in both AD and PD patients were obtained from electronic databases. From the initial 1595 records, 921 were assessed for eligibility, of which 16 sufficiently reported sex differences. Standardized mean difference (SMDs) using random effects together with tests of heterogeneity and quality assessment were applied in this meta-analysis. Data from 3082 diagnosed patients (1162 males and 1920 females) were included. There were statistically significant differences in the levels of Hcy between sexes in AD and PD patients, with an SMD of 0.291 [0.17, 0.41], p < 0.05, 95% CI, with higher Hcy levels detected in males. Subgroup comparisons did not find a statistically significant difference in the levels of Hcy between AD and PD patients. The overall risk of bias for the analyzed studies was low, with some moderate risk of bias across select domains. This meta-analysis determined that compared to females, males with either AD or PD have higher levels of Hcy. These findings suggest that Hcy could be a useful biomarker for predicting neurodegenerative diseases in males; however, further studies are needed to confirm the clinical utility of this suggestion. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Age-Related Neurodegenerative Diseases and Stroke)

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15 pages, 3068 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Resolvin D2 Reduces Chronic Neuropathic Pain and Bone Cancer Pain via Spinal Inhibition of IL-17 Secretion, CXCL1 Release and Astrocyte Activation in Mice

by Jun Pang, Pengfei Xin, Ying Kong, Zhe Wang and Xiaopeng Wang

Brain Sci. 2023, 13(1), 152; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13010152 - 15 Jan 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2019

Abstract

Chronic pain burdens patients and healthcare systems worldwide. Pain control remains urgently required. IL-17 (interleukin-17)-mediated neuroinflammation is of unique importance in spinal nociceptive transduction in pathological pain development. Recently, resolvin D2 (RvD2), as a bioactive, specialized pro-resolving mediator derived from docosahexaenoic acid, exhibits [...] Read more.

Chronic pain burdens patients and healthcare systems worldwide. Pain control remains urgently required. IL-17 (interleukin-17)-mediated neuroinflammation is of unique importance in spinal nociceptive transduction in pathological pain development. Recently, resolvin D2 (RvD2), as a bioactive, specialized pro-resolving mediator derived from docosahexaenoic acid, exhibits potent resolution of inflammation in several neurological disorders. This preclinical study evaluates the therapeutic potential and underlying targets of RvD2 in two mouse models of chronic pain, including sciatic nerve ligation-caused neuropathic pain and sarcoma-caused bone cancer pain. Herein, we report that repetitive injections of RvD2 (intrathecal, 500 ng) reduce the initiation of mechanical allodynia and heat hyperalgesia following sciatic nerve damage and bone cancer. Single exposure to RvD2 (intrathecal, 500 ng) attenuates the established neuropathic pain and bone cancer pain. Furthermore, systemic RvD2 (intravenous, 5 μg) therapy is effective in attenuating chronic pain behaviors. Strikingly, RvD2 treatment suppresses spinal IL-17 overexpression, chemokine CXCL1 release and astrocyte activation in mice undergoing sciatic nerve trauma and bone cancer. Pharmacological neutralization of IL-17 ameliorates chronic neuropathic pain and persistent bone cancer pain, as well as reducing spinal CXCL1 release. Recombinant IL-17-evoked acute pain behaviors and spinal CXCL1 release are mitigated after RvD2 administration. In addition, RvD2 treatment dampens exogenous CXCL1-caused transient pain phenotypes. Overall, these current findings identify that RvD2 therapy is effective against the initiation and persistence of long-lasting neuropathic pain and bone cancer pain, which may be through spinal down-modulation of IL-17 secretion, CXCL1 release and astrocyte activation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Study of Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms Underlying Pain and Itch)

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12 pages, 2355 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of Superoxide Dismutase 1 in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Identification of Signaling Pathways, Regulators, Molecular Interaction Networks, and Biological Functions through Bioinformatics

by Sharad Kumar Suthar and Sang-Yoon Lee

Brain Sci. 2023, 13(1), 151; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13010151 - 15 Jan 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2166

Abstract

Mutations in superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) result in misfolding and aggregation of the protein, causing neurodegenerative amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In recent years, several new SOD1 variants that trigger ALS have been identified, making it increasingly crucial to understand the SOD1 toxicity pathway [...] Read more.

Mutations in superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) result in misfolding and aggregation of the protein, causing neurodegenerative amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In recent years, several new SOD1 variants that trigger ALS have been identified, making it increasingly crucial to understand the SOD1 toxicity pathway in ALS. Here we used an integrated bioinformatics approach, including the Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) tool to analyze signaling pathways, regulators, functions, and network molecules of SOD1 with an emphasis on ALS. IPA toxicity analysis of SOD1 identified superoxide radicals’ degradation, apelin adipocyte, ALS, NRF2-mediated oxidative stress response, and sirtuin signaling as the key signaling pathways, while the toxicity of SOD1 is exerted via mitochondrial swelling and oxidative stress. IPA listed CNR1, APLN, BTG2, MAPK, DRAP1, NFE2L2, SNCA, and CG as the upstream regulators of SOD1. IPA further revealed that mutation in SOD1 results in hereditary disorders, including ALS. The exploration of the relationship between SOD1 and ALS using IPA unveiled SOD1-ALS pathway molecules. The gene ontology (GO) analysis of SOD1-ALS pathway molecules with ShinyGO reaffirmed that SOD1 toxicity results in ALS and neurodegeneration. The GO analysis further identified enriched biological processes, molecular functions, and cellular components for SOD1-ALS pathway molecules. The construction of a protein–protein interaction network of SOD1-ALS pathway molecules using STRING and further analysis of that network with Cytoscape identified ACTB followed by TP53, IL6, CASP3, SOD1, IL1B, APP, APOE, and VEGFA as the major network hubs. Taken together, our study provides insight into the molecular underpinning of SOD1’s toxicity in ALS. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neurobiology Research on Neurodegenerative Disorders)

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12 pages, 958 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

α-Synuclein and Mechanisms of Epigenetic Regulation

by Andrei Surguchov

Brain Sci. 2023, 13(1), 150; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13010150 - 15 Jan 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2584

Abstract

Synucleinopathies are a group of neurodegenerative diseases with common pathological lesions associated with the excessive accumulation and abnormal intracellular deposition of toxic species of α-synuclein. The shared clinical features are chronic progressive decline of motor, cognitive, and behavioral functions. These disorders include Parkinson’s [...] Read more.

Synucleinopathies are a group of neurodegenerative diseases with common pathological lesions associated with the excessive accumulation and abnormal intracellular deposition of toxic species of α-synuclein. The shared clinical features are chronic progressive decline of motor, cognitive, and behavioral functions. These disorders include Parkinson’s disease, dementia with Lewy body, and multiple system atrophy. Vigorous research in the mechanisms of pathology of these illnesses is currently under way to find disease-modifying treatment and molecular markers for early diagnosis. α-Synuclein is a prone-to-aggregate, small amyloidogenic protein with multiple roles in synaptic vesicle trafficking, neurotransmitter release, and intracellular signaling events. Its expression is controlled by several mechanisms, one of which is epigenetic regulation. When transmitted to the nucleus, α-synuclein binds to DNA and histones and participates in epigenetic regulatory functions controlling specific gene transcription. Here, we discuss the various aspects of α-synuclein involvement in epigenetic regulation in health and diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience)

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11 pages, 1104 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Sadness on Visual Artistic Creativity in Non-Artists

by Massimiliano Palmiero, Laura Piccardi, Marco Giancola, Raffaella Nori and Paola Guariglia

Brain Sci. 2023, 13(1), 149; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13010149 - 15 Jan 2023

Viewed by 2083

Abstract

The study of the relationships between mood and creativity is long-standing. In this study, the effects of mood states on artistic creativity were investigated in ninety non-artist participants. Mood states were induced by instructing participants to listen to self-selected happy, sad, or neutral [...] Read more.

The study of the relationships between mood and creativity is long-standing. In this study, the effects of mood states on artistic creativity were investigated in ninety non-artist participants. Mood states were induced by instructing participants to listen to self-selected happy, sad, or neutral music for ten minutes. Then, all participants were asked to make two artistic drawings. To check for mood manipulation, the Profile of Mood States (POMS) was administered before and after listening to the self-selected music. After the mood induction, the negative group reported higher scores than the other two groups in the ‘depression’ subscale and lower scores than the other two groups in the ‘vigour’ subscale of the POMS; the positive mood group showed more vigour than the negative mood group. Yet, three independent judges assigned higher ratings of creativity and emotionality to the drawings produced by participants in the negative mood group than drawings produced by participants in the other two groups. These results confirmed that specific negative mood states (e.g., sadness) positively affect artistic creativity, probably because participants are more likely to engage in mood-repairing. Limitations and future research directions are presented. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Sounds and Music in Emotion and Cognition)

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11 pages, 1074 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Voice and Biographic Data on Face Encoding

by Thilda Karlsson, Heidi Schaefer, Jason J. S. Barton and Sherryse L. Corrow

Brain Sci. 2023, 13(1), 148; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13010148 - 14 Jan 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1237

Abstract

There are various perceptual and informational cues for recognizing people. How these interact in the recognition process is of interest. Our goal was to determine if the encoding of faces was enhanced by the concurrent presence of a voice, biographic data, or both. [...] Read more.

There are various perceptual and informational cues for recognizing people. How these interact in the recognition process is of interest. Our goal was to determine if the encoding of faces was enhanced by the concurrent presence of a voice, biographic data, or both. Using a between-subject design, four groups of 10 subjects learned the identities of 24 faces seen in video-clips. Half of the faces were seen only with their names, while the other half had additional information. For the first group this was the person’s voice, for the second, it was biographic data, and for the third, both voice and biographic data. In a fourth control group, the additional information was the voice of a generic narrator relating non-biographic information. In the retrieval phase, subjects performed a familiarity task and then a face-to-name identification task with dynamic faces alone. Our results consistently showed no benefit to face encoding with additional information, for either the familiarity or identification task. Tests for equivalency indicated that facilitative effects of a voice or biographic data on face encoding were not likely to exceed 3% in accuracy. We conclude that face encoding is minimally influenced by cross-modal information from voices or biographic data. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue People Recognition through Face, Voice, Name and Their Interactions)

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20 pages, 3117 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Using the AraBERT Model for Customer Satisfaction Classification of Telecom Sectors in Saudi Arabia

by Sulaiman Aftan and Habib Shah

Brain Sci. 2023, 13(1), 147; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13010147 - 14 Jan 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2515

Abstract

Customer satisfaction and loyalty are essential for every business. Feedback prediction and social media classification are crucial and play a key role in accurately identifying customer satisfaction. This paper presents sentiment analysis-based customer feedback prediction based on Twitter Arabic datasets of telecommunications companies [...] Read more.

Customer satisfaction and loyalty are essential for every business. Feedback prediction and social media classification are crucial and play a key role in accurately identifying customer satisfaction. This paper presents sentiment analysis-based customer feedback prediction based on Twitter Arabic datasets of telecommunications companies in Saudi Arabia. The human brain, which contains billions of neurons, provides feedback based on the current and past experience provided by the services and other related stakeholders. Artificial Intelligent (AI) based methods, parallel to human brain processing methods such as Deep Learning (DL) algorithms, are famous for classifying and analyzing such datasets. Comparing the Arabic Dataset to English, it is pretty challenging for typical methods to outperform in the classification or prediction tasks. Therefore, the Arabic Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers (AraBERT) model was used and analyzed with various parameters such as activation functions and topologies and simulated customer satisfaction prediction takes using Arabic Twitter datasets. The prediction results were compared with two famous DL algorithms: Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) and Recurrent Neural Network (RNN). Results show that these methods have been successfully applied and obtained highly accurate classification results. AraBERT achieved the best prediction accuracy among the three ML methods, especially with Mobily and STC datasets. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intelligent Neural Systems for Solving Real Problems)

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9 pages, 618 KiB

Open AccessOpinion

Arousal Regulation by the External Globus Pallidus: A New Node for the Mesocircuit Hypothesis

by Zhong Sheng Zheng, Nicco Reggente and Martin M. Monti

Brain Sci. 2023, 13(1), 146; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13010146 - 14 Jan 2023

Viewed by 2369

Abstract

In the decade since its debut, the Mesocircuit Hypothesis (MH) has provided researchers a scaffolding for interpreting their findings by associating subcortical-cortical dysfunction with the loss and recovery of consciousness following severe brain injury. Here, we leverage new findings from human and rodent [...] Read more.

In the decade since its debut, the Mesocircuit Hypothesis (MH) has provided researchers a scaffolding for interpreting their findings by associating subcortical-cortical dysfunction with the loss and recovery of consciousness following severe brain injury. Here, we leverage new findings from human and rodent lesions, as well as chemo/optogenetic, tractography, and stimulation studies to propose the external segment of the globus pallidus (GPe) as an additional node in the MH, in hopes of increasing its explanatory power. Specifically, we discuss the anatomical and molecular mechanisms involving the GPe in sleep-wake control and propose a plausible mechanistic model explaining how the GPe can modulate cortical activity through its direct connections with the prefrontal cortex and thalamic reticular nucleus to initiate and maintain sleep. The inclusion of the GPe in the arousal circuitry has implications for understanding a range of phenomena, such as the effects of the adenosine (A2A) and dopamine (D2) receptors on sleep-wake cycles, the paradoxical effects of zolpidem in disorders of consciousness, and sleep disturbances in conditions such as Parkinson’s Disease. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Women in Brain Science: Achievements, Challenges and Perspectives)

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27 pages, 1502 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

The Neuroprotective Effects and Therapeutic Potential of the Chalcone Cardamonin for Alzheimer’s Disease

by Kimberly Barber, Patricia Mendonca and Karam F. A. Soliman

Brain Sci. 2023, 13(1), 145; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13010145 - 14 Jan 2023

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2869

Abstract

Neurodegenerative diseases (ND) include a wide range of conditions that result from progressive damage to the neurons. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is one of the most common NDs, and neuroinflammation and oxidative stress (OS) are the major factors in the development and progression of [...] Read more.

Neurodegenerative diseases (ND) include a wide range of conditions that result from progressive damage to the neurons. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is one of the most common NDs, and neuroinflammation and oxidative stress (OS) are the major factors in the development and progression of the disease. Many naturally occurring phytochemical compounds exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities with potential neuroprotective effects. Several plant species, including Alpinia katsumadai and Alpinia conchigera, contain cardamonin (CD). CD (2′,4′-dihydroxy-6′methoxychalcone) has many therapeutic properties, including anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, and antibiotic activities. CD is a potent compound that can reduce OS and modulate the inflammatory processes that play a significant part in developing neurodegenerative diseases. CD has been shown to modulate a variety of signaling molecules involved in the development and progression of ND, including transcription factors (NF-kB and STAT3), cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1, and IL-6), enzymes (COX-2, MMP-9, and ALDH1), and other proteins and genes (Bcl-2, XIAP, and cyclin D1). Additionally, CD effectively modulates miRNA levels and autophagy-related CD-protective mechanisms against neurodegeneration. In summary, this review provides mechanistic insights into CD’s ability to modify multiple oxidative stress–antioxidant system pathways, Nrf2, and neuroinflammation. Additionally, it points to the possible therapeutic potential and preventive utilization of CD in neurodegenerative diseases, most specifically AD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Memory-Enhancing Activity of Bioactive Compounds: From Natural Sources to Brain)

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15 pages, 2617 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Altered Functional Connectivity Density in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus with and without Mild Cognitive Impairment

by Dongsheng Zhang, Shasha Liu, Yang Huang, Jie Gao, Weirui Liu, Wanting Liu, Kai Ai, Xiaoyan Lei and Xiaoling Zhang

Brain Sci. 2023, 13(1), 144; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13010144 - 13 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1578

Abstract

Although disturbed functional connectivity is known to be a factor influencing cognitive impairment, the neuropathological mechanisms underlying the cognitive impairment caused by type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remain unclear. To characterize the neural mechanisms underlying T2DM-related brain damage, we explored the altered functional [...] Read more.

Although disturbed functional connectivity is known to be a factor influencing cognitive impairment, the neuropathological mechanisms underlying the cognitive impairment caused by type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remain unclear. To characterize the neural mechanisms underlying T2DM-related brain damage, we explored the altered functional architecture patterns in different cognitive states in T2DM patients. Thirty-seven T2DM patients with normal cognitive function (DMCN), 40 T2DM patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) (DMCI), and 40 healthy controls underwent neuropsychological assessments and resting-state functional MRI examinations. Functional connectivity density (FCD) analysis was performed, and the relationship between abnormal FCD and clinical/cognitive variables was assessed. The regions showing abnormal FCD in T2DM patients were mainly located in the temporal lobe and cerebellum, but the abnormal functional architecture was more extensive in DMCI patients. Moreover, in comparison with the DMCN group, DMCI patients showed reduced long-range FCD in the left superior temporal gyrus (STG), which was correlated with the Rey auditory verbal learning test score in all T2DM patients. Thus, DMCI patients show functional architecture abnormalities in more brain regions involved in higher-level cognitive function (executive function and auditory memory function), and the left STG may be involved in the neuropathology of auditory memory in T2DM patients. These findings provide some new insights into understanding the neural mechanisms underlying T2DM-related cognitive impairment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Brain Imaging and Cognitive Neuroscience in Human Performance, Learning and Training)

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16 pages, 1337 KiB

Open AccessReview

Imaging and Hemodynamic Characteristics of Vulnerable Carotid Plaques and Artificial Intelligence Applications in Plaque Classification and Segmentation

by Na Han, Yurong Ma, Yan Li, Yu Zheng, Chuang Wu, Tiejun Gan, Min Li, Laiyang Ma and Jing Zhang

Brain Sci. 2023, 13(1), 143; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13010143 - 13 Jan 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2604

Abstract

Stroke is a massive public health problem. The rupture of vulnerable carotid atherosclerotic plaques is the most common cause of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) across the world. Currently, vessel wall high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (VW-HRMRI) is the most appropriate and cost-effective imaging technique [...] Read more.

Stroke is a massive public health problem. The rupture of vulnerable carotid atherosclerotic plaques is the most common cause of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) across the world. Currently, vessel wall high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (VW-HRMRI) is the most appropriate and cost-effective imaging technique to characterize carotid plaque vulnerability and plays an important role in promoting early diagnosis and guiding aggressive clinical therapy to reduce the risk of plaque rupture and AIS. In recent years, great progress has been made in imaging research on vulnerable carotid plaques. This review summarizes developments in the imaging and hemodynamic characteristics of vulnerable carotid plaques on the basis of VW-HRMRI and four-dimensional (4D) flow MRI, and it discusses the relationship between these characteristics and ischemic stroke. In addition, the applications of artificial intelligence in plaque classification and segmentation are reviewed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Diagnosis and Management of Acute Ischemic Stroke)

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9 pages, 238 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Ketamine as Add-On Treatment in Psychotic Treatment-Resistant Depression

by Maria Gałuszko-Węgielnik, Zuzanna Chmielewska, Katarzyna Jakuszkowiak-Wojten, Mariusz S. Wiglusz and Wiesław J. Cubała

Brain Sci. 2023, 13(1), 142; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13010142 - 13 Jan 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4159

Abstract

Psychotic treatment-resistant depression is a complex and challenging manifestation of mood disorders in the clinical setting. Psychotic depression is a subtype of major depressive disorder characterized by mood-consistent hallucinations and/or delusions. Psychotic depression is often underdiagnosed and undertreated. Ketamine appears to have rapid [...] Read more.

Psychotic treatment-resistant depression is a complex and challenging manifestation of mood disorders in the clinical setting. Psychotic depression is a subtype of major depressive disorder characterized by mood-consistent hallucinations and/or delusions. Psychotic depression is often underdiagnosed and undertreated. Ketamine appears to have rapid and potent antidepressant effects in clinical studies, and the Federal Drug Agency approved the use of ketamine enantiomer esketamine-nasal spray for treatment-resistant depression pharmacotherapy in 2019. This study aimed to assess the usage of ketamine for major depressive disorder with psychotic features as an add-on treatment to the standard of care. Here we present four inpatients suffering from treatment-resistant depression with psychotic features, including one with severe suicidal crisis, all treated with 0.5 mg/kg intravenous infusion of ketamine. Subsequent monitoring revealed no exacerbation of psychotic symptoms in short and long-term observation, while stable remission was observed in all cases with imminent antisuicidal effect. Results suggest ketamine may benefit individuals with treatment-resistant depression with psychotic features. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychopharmacology and Biological Studies of Psychosis)

14 pages, 1394 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cerebral Hemodynamic Changes during Unaffected Handgrip Exercises in Stroke Patients: An fNIRS Study

by Yuqin Ma, Yang Yu, Wen Gao, Yongfeng Hong and Xianshan Shen

Brain Sci. 2023, 13(1), 141; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13010141 - 13 Jan 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1825

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the effect of the altered strength of the sound limb on the hemodynamics in the affected brain of stroke patients. We recruited 20 stroke patients to detect changes in the HbO concentrations in the bilateral prefrontal cortex (PFC), [...] Read more.

This study aimed to assess the effect of the altered strength of the sound limb on the hemodynamics in the affected brain of stroke patients. We recruited 20 stroke patients to detect changes in the HbO concentrations in the bilateral prefrontal cortex (PFC), sensorimotor cortex (SMC), and occipital lobe (OL). We performed functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to detect changes in oxyhemoglobin (HbO) concentrations in regions of interest (ROIs) in the bilateral cerebral hemispheres of stroke patients while they performed 20%, 50%, and 80% maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) levels of handgrip tasks with the unaffected hands. The results suggest that when patients performed handgrip tasks with 50% of the MVC force, SMC in the affected cerebral hemisphere was strongly activated and the change in the HbO concentration was similar to that of the handgrip with 80% of MVC. When the force was 50% of MVC, the SMC in the affected hemisphere showed a more proportional activation than that at 80% MVC. Overall, this research suggests that stroke patients with a poor upper limb function should perform motor training with their sound hands at 50% of the MVC grip task to activate the ipsilesional hemisphere. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Strategies and New Rehabilitation Evaluations to Stroke)

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14 pages, 442 KiB

Open AccessReview

Acetazolamide for Bipolar Disorders: A Scoping Review

by Rebecca Strawbridge, Nefize Yalin, Stelios Orfanos and Allan H. Young

Brain Sci. 2023, 13(1), 140; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13010140 - 13 Jan 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2510

Abstract

Acetazolamide, a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, is used to treat a variety of ailments. It has been highlighted for its potential to benefit people with bipolar disorders, for whom there are clear current unmet treatment needs. This scoping review sought to synthesise all available [...] Read more.

Acetazolamide, a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, is used to treat a variety of ailments. It has been highlighted for its potential to benefit people with bipolar disorders, for whom there are clear current unmet treatment needs. This scoping review sought to synthesise all available evidence related to the potential effects of acetazolamide on symptoms related to bipolar disorder, acceptability and tolerability, and intervention characteristics (e.g., dose and duration). Following publication of the review protocol, the Pubmed, Embase, and PsycInfo databases were searched (all dated to 31 August 2022). A systematic approach was undertaken to identify eligible articles and extract relevant data from these. Five studies were included, assessing a total of 50 patients treated with acetazolamide. Most patients were from two open-label trials, while the others were case reports. Approximately one third of patients were experiencing psychosis or mania before treatment initiation, and one third had refractory depression. Forty-four percent of patients were estimated to achieve a response (not seemingly affected by the baseline episode type, acetazolamide dose, or duration), while a further 22% appeared to experience minimal benefits from the intervention. Acetazolamide was generally reported to be tolerated well and acceptable for up to 2 years, although reporting for acceptability and tolerability was suboptimal. The reviewed evidence is extremely limited in size and methodology (e.g., no randomised studies, blinding, or standardised outcome assessment). We posit that the current findings are sufficiently encouraging to recommend substantive clinical trials, but we emphasise that at present, the evidence is exceedingly preliminary, and there remains evident uncertainty as to whether acetazolamide could be a viable treatment for bipolar disorders. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bipolar Disorders: Progressing from Bench to Bedside)

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9 pages, 407 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Actigraphic Wake after Sleep Onset and Symptom Severity Correspond with Rumination in Trauma-Exposed Individuals

by Fini Chang, Erin C. Berenz, Olusola Ajilore, Scott A. Langenecker, Helen J. Burgess, K. Luan Phan and Heide Klumpp

Brain Sci. 2023, 13(1), 139; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13010139 - 13 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1604

Abstract

Rumination and worry are forms of repetitive negative thinking (RNT) commonly associated with internalizing psychopathologies, although less is known about RNT in trauma-exposed individuals with internalizing psychopathologies. Separate lines of research show RNT also plays a role in problematic sleep, which is frequently [...] Read more.

Rumination and worry are forms of repetitive negative thinking (RNT) commonly associated with internalizing psychopathologies, although less is known about RNT in trauma-exposed individuals with internalizing psychopathologies. Separate lines of research show RNT also plays a role in problematic sleep, which is frequently experienced after trauma exposure. To address gaps in the literature, the current study examines the impact of sleep and symptoms on RNT in trauma-exposed participants. A transdiagnostic sample of 46 unmedicated treatment-seeking trauma-exposed participants completed standard measures of rumination and worry, as well as clinical measures that assessed posttraumatic stress, depression, and anxiety severity. Actigraphic sleep variables were sleep duration, wake after sleep onset (WASO), and sleep efficiency. Sleep and clinical measures were submitted to multiple regression analyses with rumination and worry as dependent variables. The regression results showed that rumination was significantly explained by WASO and posttraumatic stress symptom (PTSS) severity, and the omnibus test was significant. Depression, anxiety, and other estimates of sleep were not significant. No significant results emerged for worry. Preliminary findings suggest that PTSS and WASO, an index of fragmented sleep, may contribute to rumination, but not worry, in trauma-exposed individuals. Longitudinal studies are needed to determine potential causal relationships. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Sleep Deprivation on Cognition, Emotion, and Behavior)

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16 pages, 1854 KiB

Open AccessArticle

How Functional Connectivity Measures Affect the Outcomes of Global Neuronal Network Characteristics in Patients with Schizophrenia Compared to Healthy Controls

by Kamil Jonak, Magdalena Marchewka, Arkadiusz Podkowiński, Agata Siejka, Małgorzata Plechawska-Wójcik, Robert Karpiński and Paweł Krukow

Brain Sci. 2023, 13(1), 138; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13010138 - 13 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1643

Abstract

Modern computational solutions used in the reconstruction of the global neuronal network arrangement seem to be particularly valuable for research on neuronal disconnection in schizophrenia. However, the vast number of algorithms used in these analyses may be an uncontrolled source of result inconsistency. [...] Read more.

Modern computational solutions used in the reconstruction of the global neuronal network arrangement seem to be particularly valuable for research on neuronal disconnection in schizophrenia. However, the vast number of algorithms used in these analyses may be an uncontrolled source of result inconsistency. Our study aimed to verify to what extent the characteristics of the global network organization in schizophrenia depend on the inclusion of a given type of functional connectivity measure. Resting-state EEG recordings from schizophrenia patients and healthy controls were collected. Based on these data, two identical procedures of graph-theory-based network arrangements were computed twice using two different functional connectivity measures (phase lag index, PLI, and phase locking value, PLV). Two series of between-group comparisons regarding global network parameters calculated on the basis of PLI or PLV gave contradictory results. In many cases, the values of a given network index based on PLI were higher in the patients, and the results based on PLV were lower in the patients than in the controls. Additionally, selected network measures were significantly different within the patient group when calculated from PLI or PLV. Our analysis shows that the selection of FC measures significantly affects the parameters of graph-theory-based neuronal network organization and might be an important source of disagreement in network studies on schizophrenia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Computational Neuroscience and Neuroinformatics)

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22 pages, 1597 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Optimizing the Effect of tDCS on Motor Sequence Learning in the Elderly

by Ensiyeh Ghasemian-Shirvan, Ruxandra Ungureanu, Lorena Melo, Kim van Dun, Min-Fang Kuo, Michael A. Nitsche and Raf L. J. Meesen

Brain Sci. 2023, 13(1), 137; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13010137 - 12 Jan 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1980

Abstract

One of the most visible effects of aging, even in healthy, normal aging, is a decline in motor performance. The range of strategies applicable to counteract this deterioration has increased. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that can promote [...] Read more.

One of the most visible effects of aging, even in healthy, normal aging, is a decline in motor performance. The range of strategies applicable to counteract this deterioration has increased. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that can promote neuroplasticity, has recently gained attention. However, knowledge about optimized tDCS parameters in the elderly is limited. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the effect of different anodal tDCS intensities on motor sequence learning in the elderly. Over the course of four sessions, 25 healthy older adults (over 65 years old) completed the Serial Reaction Time Task (SRTT) while receiving 1, 2, or 3 mA of anodal or sham stimulation over the primary motor cortex (M1). Additionally, 24 h after stimulation, motor memory consolidation was assessed. The results confirmed that motor sequence learning in all tDCS conditions was maintained the following day. While increased anodal stimulation intensity over M1 showed longer lasting excitability enhancement in the elderly in a prior study, the combination of higher intensity stimulation with an implicit motor learning task showed no significant effect. Future research should focus on the reason behind this lack of effect and probe alternative stimulation protocols. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Transcranial Electrical Stimulation (tES) for Improving Neurocognitive and Motor Deficits)

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16 pages, 1592 KiB

Open AccessArticle

PsychArray-Based Genome Wide Association Study of Suicidal Deaths in India

by Chittaranjan Behera, Ruchika Kaushik, Deepak Ramkumar Bharti, Baibaswata Nayak, Daya Nand Bhardwaj, Dibyabhaba Pradhan and Harpreet Singh

Brain Sci. 2023, 13(1), 136; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13010136 - 12 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1605

Abstract

Background: Suicide is a preventable but escalating global health crisis. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) studies to date have been limited, and some are underpowered. In this study, we aimed to perform the PsychArray-based GWAS study to identify single nucleotide variations associated with suicide [...] Read more.

Background: Suicide is a preventable but escalating global health crisis. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) studies to date have been limited, and some are underpowered. In this study, we aimed to perform the PsychArray-based GWAS study to identify single nucleotide variations associated with suicide in the Indian population. Methods: We recruited unrelated subjects who died by suicide as cases (N = 313) and the non-suicidal deaths as controls (N = 294). The 607 samples were genotyped, including cases and controls using the Illumina Infinium PsychArray-24 BeadChip v1.3 Results: In our study, four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) crossed the threshold of significance level <1 × 10⁻⁵. One of them is intronic at Chromosome2:rs1901851 and three are intergenic at Chromosome12:rs3847911, Chromosome8:rs2941489, Chromosome8:rs1464092. At a significance level of 5 × 10⁻⁵, we found a few more SNPs, with the majority of them being intergenic variants. The associated genes were associated with various important functions ranging from cell signaling, GTP binding, GPCR binding, and transcription factor binding. Conclusions: The SNPs identified in our study were not reported earlier. To our best knowledge, this study is one of the first GWAS for suicide in the Indian population. The results indicate few novel SNPs that may be associated with suicide and require further investigation. Their clinical significance is to be studied in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Biomarkers in Neuropsychiatric Disorders)

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8 pages, 2828 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

Unexplained Progressive Neurological Deficits after Corpus Callosotomy May Be Caused by Autoimmune Encephalitis: A Case of Suspected Postoperative Anti-NMDAR Encephalitis

by Keisuke Hatano, Ayataka Fujimoto, Keishiro Sato, Takamichi Yamamoto, Hiroshi Sakuma and Hideo Enoki

Brain Sci. 2023, 13(1), 135; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13010135 - 12 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1886

Abstract

The main causes of anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis are ovarian teratoma and herpes simplex virus (HSV) encephalitis. We present a rare case of suspected anti-NMDAR encephalitis caused by corpus callosotomy (CC). An 18-year-old woman with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome underwent CC. Although left hemiplegic due [...] Read more.

The main causes of anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis are ovarian teratoma and herpes simplex virus (HSV) encephalitis. We present a rare case of suspected anti-NMDAR encephalitis caused by corpus callosotomy (CC). An 18-year-old woman with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome underwent CC. Although left hemiplegic due to cerebral hemorrhage and impaired consciousness due to cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) appeared postoperatively, anticoagulant therapy quickly improved CVST and impaired consciousness. However, various unexplained symptoms such as insomnia, hallucination, impulsivity, impaired consciousness, and a new type of drug-resistant cluster seizures gradually developed over a 2-month period. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed the gradual extension of a hyperintense area from the right frontal lobe on fluid-attenuated inversion recovery images. Intravenous methylprednisolone pulse was initiated from postoperative day (POD) 74, followed by intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) therapy, although white blood cell counts were normal in all three cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examinations. After IVIg therapy, the above unexplained symptoms promptly improved. On POD 103, antibodies against NMDAR were revealed in both the serum and CSF collected before these immunotherapies. The patient was transferred to a rehabilitation hospital due to residual left hemiplegia. Psychiatric symptoms and a new onset of drug-resistant seizures may be suggestive of postoperative anti-NMDAR encephalitis, even if CSF findings are mild. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neurosurgery in Pediatrics)

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14 pages, 1469 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Modulating Brain Activity with Invasive Brain–Computer Interface: A Narrative Review

by Zhi-Ping Zhao, Chuang Nie, Cheng-Teng Jiang, Sheng-Hao Cao, Kai-Xi Tian, Shan Yu and Jian-Wen Gu

Brain Sci. 2023, 13(1), 134; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13010134 - 12 Jan 2023

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 5773

Abstract

Brain-computer interface (BCI) can be used as a real-time bidirectional information gateway between the brain and machines. In particular, rapid progress in invasive BCI, propelled by recent developments in electrode materials, miniature and power-efficient electronics, and neural signal decoding technologies has attracted wide [...] Read more.

Brain-computer interface (BCI) can be used as a real-time bidirectional information gateway between the brain and machines. In particular, rapid progress in invasive BCI, propelled by recent developments in electrode materials, miniature and power-efficient electronics, and neural signal decoding technologies has attracted wide attention. In this review, we first introduce the concepts of neuronal signal decoding and encoding that are fundamental for information exchanges in BCI. Then, we review the history and recent advances in invasive BCI, particularly through studies using neural signals for controlling external devices on one hand, and modulating brain activity on the other hand. Specifically, regarding modulating brain activity, we focus on two types of techniques, applying electrical stimulation to cortical and deep brain tissues, respectively. Finally, we discuss the related ethical issues concerning the clinical application of this emerging technology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Brain Dynamics: Latest Advances and Prospects—2nd Edition)

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10 pages, 1149 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Long-Term Lithium Therapy and Thyroid Disorders in Bipolar Disorder: A Historical Cohort Study

by Boney Joseph, Nicolas A. Nunez, Vanessa Pazdernik, Rakesh Kumar, Mehak Pahwa, Mete Ercis, Aysegul Ozerdem, Alfredo B. Cuellar-Barboza, Francisco Romo-Nava, Susan L. McElroy, Brandon J. Coombes, Joanna M. Biernacka, Marius N. Stan, Mark A. Frye and Balwinder Singh

Brain Sci. 2023, 13(1), 133; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13010133 - 12 Jan 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3001

Abstract

Lithium has been a cornerstone treatment for bipolar disorder (BD). Despite descriptions in the literature regarding associations between long-term lithium therapy (LTLT) and development of a thyroid disorder (overt/subclinical hypo/hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodule, and goiter) in BD, factors such as time to onset of [...] Read more.

Lithium has been a cornerstone treatment for bipolar disorder (BD). Despite descriptions in the literature regarding associations between long-term lithium therapy (LTLT) and development of a thyroid disorder (overt/subclinical hypo/hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodule, and goiter) in BD, factors such as time to onset of thyroid abnormalities and impact on clinical outcomes in the course of illness have not been fully characterized. In this study we aimed to compare clinical characteristics of adult BD patients with and without thyroid disorders who were on LTLT. We aimed to identify the incidence of thyroid disorders in patients with BD on LTLT and response to lithium between patients with and without thyroid disorders in BD. The Cox proportional model was used to find the median time to the development of a thyroid disorder. Our results showed that up to 32% of patients with BD on LTLT developed a thyroid disorder, of which 79% developed hypothyroidism, which was corrected with thyroid hormone replacement. We did not find significant differences in lithium response between patients with or without thyroid disorders in BD. Findings from this study suggest that patients with BD and comorbid thyroid disorders when adequately treated have a response to lithium similar to patients with BD and no thyroid disorders. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bipolar Disorders: Progressing from Bench to Bedside)

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10 pages, 1420 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Reduced Sleep Amount and Increased Sleep Latency in Prisoners: A Pilot Study in an Italian Jail

by Giulia D’Aurizio, Beatrice Tosti, Daniela Tempesta, Lucia Avvantaggiato, Alessandra Splendiani, Simona Sacco, Laura Mandolesi and Giuseppe Curcio

Brain Sci. 2023, 13(1), 132; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13010132 - 12 Jan 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1419

Abstract

Several previous subjective- or interview-based reports indicated a reduced sleep quality and quantity as well as a great incidence of insomnia troubles in prisoners living in jail. The aim of the present study is to assess the quality and quantity of sleep by [...] Read more.

Several previous subjective- or interview-based reports indicated a reduced sleep quality and quantity as well as a great incidence of insomnia troubles in prisoners living in jail. The aim of the present study is to assess the quality and quantity of sleep by using, for the first time, actigraphy. A total of thirty male prisoners and thirty male control volunteers accepted to participate in this study: to this end, they filled in some questionnaires to assess state and trait anxiety, depression, sleep quality, and insomnia severity. In addition, their sleep was actigraphically recorded for seven consecutive nights. The main results indicate a worsened mood in prisoners than in controls (with increased anxiety and depression) as well as a subjectively reported low sleep quality (higher scores at PSQI) with a clinical presence of insomnia complaints (as indicated by ISI scores). Moreover, objectively assessed sleep by means of actigraphy exhibited some worrying results, namely a longer sleep onset and a reduced total sleep time was seen in prisoners with respect to controls. The results have been discussed in the light of potential effects of sleep quality and quantity as well as of mood symptoms on cognitive functioning, as well as with respect to prisoners’ health and well-being. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Mechanisms of Sleep Function and Regulation for Health and Cognitive Performance)

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20 pages, 1561 KiB

Open AccessReview

Effects of COVID-19 on Synaptic and Neuronal Degeneration

by Mohammed S. Alqahtani, Mohamed Abbas, Mohammad Y. Alshahrani, Khulud Alabdullh, Amjad Alqarni, Fawaz F. Alqahtani, Layal K. Jambi and Adnan Alkhayat

Brain Sci. 2023, 13(1), 131; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13010131 - 12 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3127

Abstract

Neurons are the basic building blocks of the human body’s neurological system. Atrophy is defined by the disintegration of the connections between cells that enable them to communicate. Peripheral neuropathy and demyelinating disorders, as well as cerebrovascular illnesses and central nervous system (CNS) [...] Read more.

Neurons are the basic building blocks of the human body’s neurological system. Atrophy is defined by the disintegration of the connections between cells that enable them to communicate. Peripheral neuropathy and demyelinating disorders, as well as cerebrovascular illnesses and central nervous system (CNS) inflammatory diseases, have all been linked to brain damage, including Parkinson’s disease (PD). It turns out that these diseases have a direct impact on brain atrophy. However, it may take some time after the onset of one of these diseases for this atrophy to be clearly diagnosed. With the emergence of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, there were several clinical observations of COVID-19 patients. Among those observations is that the virus can cause any of the diseases that can lead to brain atrophy. Here we shed light on the research that tracked the relationship of these diseases to the COVID-19 virus. The importance of this review is that it is the first to link the relationship between the Coronavirus and diseases that cause brain atrophy. It also indicates the indirect role of the virus in dystrophy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impact of COVID-19 Infection on Brain Structures and Functions)

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12 pages, 2345 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Abnormalities of EEG Functional Connectivity and Effective Connectivity in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

by Xinling Geng, Xiwang Fan, Yiwen Zhong, Manuel F. Casanova, Estate M. Sokhadze, Xiaoli Li and Jiannan Kang

Brain Sci. 2023, 13(1), 130; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13010130 - 12 Jan 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2096

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder that interferes with normal brain development. Brain connectivity may serve as a biomarker for ASD in this respect. This study enrolled a total of 179 children aged 3−10 years (90 typically developed (TD) and [...] Read more.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder that interferes with normal brain development. Brain connectivity may serve as a biomarker for ASD in this respect. This study enrolled a total of 179 children aged 3−10 years (90 typically developed (TD) and 89 with ASD). We used a weighted phase lag index and a directed transfer function to investigate the functional and effective connectivity in children with ASD and TD. Our findings indicated that patients with ASD had local hyper-connectivity of brain regions in functional connectivity and simultaneous significant decrease in effective connectivity across hemispheres. These connectivity abnormalities may help to find biomarkers of ASD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Functional Connectivity Analysis in Neuropsychiatric Disorders)

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8 pages, 1208 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Arcuate Fasciculus Microstructure Predicts Alcohol Dependence Risk through Higher IQ

by Toshikazu Ikuta, Paige B. Kessler, Alexandria M. Swoboda and Amy K. Fisher

Brain Sci. 2023, 13(1), 129; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13010129 - 12 Jan 2023

Viewed by 1326

Abstract

IQ has been found to correlate with alcohol consumption, with a higher IQ being a risk for alcohol misuse. Furthermore, recent research has shown that the microstructure of the arcuate fasciculus is associated with IQ. This study therefore aimed to examine the association [...] Read more.

IQ has been found to correlate with alcohol consumption, with a higher IQ being a risk for alcohol misuse. Furthermore, recent research has shown that the microstructure of the arcuate fasciculus is associated with IQ. This study therefore aimed to examine the association between the arcuate fasciculus microstructure, IQ, and alcohol dependence risk. In this study, we performed probabilistic tractography between Wernicke’s and Broca’s areas in the left and right hemispheres to examine the association of the arcuate fasciculus’s integrity with IQ and alcohol dependence risk, using DTI data from 344 individuals. Data regarding IQ were obtained from the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence (WASI-II). Alcohol substance involvement (SI) score was derived using the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Quick Screen and was used as an index for alcohol dependence risk. Both the left arcuate fasciculus and IQ were found to have a significant association with alcohol dependence risk. A mediation analysis revealed that this association between the left arcuate fasciculus microstructure and an alcohol dependence risk was mediated by IQ. It is suggested that the left arcuate fasciculus microstructure is associated with IQ which is associated with alcohol dependence risk. While alcohol consumption is known to be robustly toxic to the brain, the left arcuate fasciculus shows exceptional characteristics in which its microstructure integrity is positively associated with an alcohol dependence risk through higher IQ. Clinical implications are discussed. Full article

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14 pages, 737 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Physical Health in Clinical High Risk for Psychosis Individuals: A Cross-Sectional Study

by Umberto Provenzani, Andrea De Micheli, Stefano Damiani, Dominic Oliver, Natascia Brondino and Paolo Fusar-Poli

Brain Sci. 2023, 13(1), 128; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13010128 - 12 Jan 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1741

Abstract

Background: The clinical high risk for psychosis (CHR-P) phase represents an opportunity for prevention and early intervention in young adults, which also could focus on improving physical health trajectories. Methods: We conducted a RECORD-compliant clinical register-based cohort study. The primary outcome was to [...] Read more.

Background: The clinical high risk for psychosis (CHR-P) phase represents an opportunity for prevention and early intervention in young adults, which also could focus on improving physical health trajectories. Methods: We conducted a RECORD-compliant clinical register-based cohort study. The primary outcome was to describe the physical health of assessed CHR-P individuals, obtained via Electronic Health Records at the South London and Maudsley (SLaM) NHS Foundation Trust, UK (January 2013–October 2020). Results: The final database included 194 CHR-P subjects (46% female). Mean age was 23.70 ± 5.12 years. Percentage of tobacco smokers was 41% (significantly higher than in the age-matched general population [24%]). We found that 49% of subjects who consumed alcohol had an AUDIT-C (Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test) score above 5 (hazardous drinking), with an average score of 4.94 (significantly higher than in the general population [2.75]). Investigating diet revealed low fiber intake in most subjects and high saturated fat intake in 10% of the individuals. We found that 47% of CHR-P subjects met the UK recommended physical activity guidelines (significantly lower than in the general population [66%]). Physical parameters (e.g., weight, heart rate, blood pressure) were not significantly different from the general population. Conclusions: This evidence corroborates the need for monitoring physical health parameters in CHR-P subjects, to implement tailored interventions that target daily habits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Behavioral Neuroscience)

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14 pages, 557 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Is There an Early Morphological Decomposition during L2 Lexical Access? A Meta-Analysis on the Morphological Priming Effect

by Ana Isabel Fernandes, Karlos Luna, Ana Paula Soares and Montserrat Comesaña

Brain Sci. 2023, 13(1), 127; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13010127 - 11 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1630

Abstract

A considerable body of experimental data currently exists on the representation and processing of derived words. However, no theoretical account has led to a consensus so far, due in part to inconsistencies in empirical results which show either the presence or the absence [...] Read more.

A considerable body of experimental data currently exists on the representation and processing of derived words. However, no theoretical account has led to a consensus so far, due in part to inconsistencies in empirical results which show either the presence or the absence of signs of early morphological decomposition during lexical access. In this paper, we present the results of a meta-analysis that sought to examine the robustness of the masked morphological priming effect (MMP) in native and non-native speakers. This effect is indexed by faster responses to targets preceded by morphologically related primes vs. unrelated primes (e.g., fighter-FIGHT < needle-FIGHT), and is perhaps the most widespread effect used to test whether speakers of a given language are sensitive to the morphological components of words at early stages of lexical access. To this end, we selected 10 masked priming lexical decision studies (16 experiments) conducted with native and non-native speakers. Variables such as prime duration and level of L2 proficiency were considered in the analyses to assess their impact on the MMP effect. Results showed significant MMP effects, which were restricted to native speakers. No modulations were found for the prime duration. Results are interpreted in light of prevalent models of complex word processing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lexico-Syntactic Processing in Developing and Skilled Readers of First and Second/Foreign Languages)

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