Brain Sciences

26 pages, 3917 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceSystematic Review

Prevalence of Developmental Dyslexia in Primary School Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

by Liping Yang, Chunbo Li, Xiumei Li, Manman Zhai, Qingqing An, You Zhang, Jing Zhao and Xuchu Weng

Brain Sci. 2022, 12(2), 240; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12020240 - 10 Feb 2022

Cited by 34 | Viewed by 9640

Abstract

Background: Developmental dyslexia (DD) is a specific learning disorder concerning reading acquisition that may has a lifelong negative impact on individuals. A reliable estimate of the prevalence of DD serves as the basis for diagnosis, intervention, and evidence-based health resource allocation and policy-making. [...] Read more.

Background: Developmental dyslexia (DD) is a specific learning disorder concerning reading acquisition that may has a lifelong negative impact on individuals. A reliable estimate of the prevalence of DD serves as the basis for diagnosis, intervention, and evidence-based health resource allocation and policy-making. Hence, the present meta-analysis aims to generate a reliable prevalence estimate of DD worldwide in primary school children and explore the potential variables related to that prevalence. Methods: Studies from the 1950s to June 2021 were collated using a combination of search terms related to DD and prevalence. Study quality was assessed using the STROBE guidelines according to the study design, with study heterogeneity assessed using the I² statistic, and random-effects meta-analyses were conducted. Variations in the prevalence of DD in different subgroups were assessed via subgroup meta-analysis and meta-regression. Results: The pooled prevalence of DD was 7.10% (95% CI: 6.27–7.97%). The prevalence in boys was significantly higher than that in girls (boys: 9.22%, 95%CI, 8.07–10.44%; girls: 4.66%, 95% CI, 3.84–5.54%; p < 0.001), but no significant difference was found in the prevalence across different writing systems (alphabetic scripts: 7.26%, 95%CI, 5.94–8.71%; logographic scripts: 6.97%, 95%CI, 5.86–8.16%; p > 0.05) or across different orthographic depths (shallow: 7.13%, 95% CI, 5.23–9.30%; deep: 7.55%, 95% CI, 4.66–11.04%; p > 0.05). It is worth noting that most articles had small sample sizes with diverse operational definitions, making comparisons challenging. Conclusions: This study provides an estimation of worldwide DD prevalence in primary school children. The prevalence was higher in boys than in girls but was not significantly different across different writing systems. Full article

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14 pages, 1042 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Tics and Emotions

by Gerry Leisman and Dana Sheldon

Brain Sci. 2022, 12(2), 242; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12020242 - 10 Feb 2022

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 6669

Abstract

Tics can be associated with neurological disorders and are thought to be the result of dysfunctional basal ganglia pathways. In Tourette Syndrome (TS), excess dopamine in the striatum is thought to excite the thalamo-cortical circuits, producing tics. When external stressors activate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal [...] Read more.

Tics can be associated with neurological disorders and are thought to be the result of dysfunctional basal ganglia pathways. In Tourette Syndrome (TS), excess dopamine in the striatum is thought to excite the thalamo-cortical circuits, producing tics. When external stressors activate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, more dopamine is produced, furthering the excitation of tic-producing pathways. Emotional processing structures in the limbic are also activated during tics, providing further evidence of a possible emotional component in motor ticking behaviors. The purpose of this review is to better understand the relationship between emotional states and ticking behavior. We found support for the notion that premonitory sensory phenomena (PSP), sensory stimulation, and other environmental stressors that impact the HPA axis can influence tics through dopaminergic neurotransmission. Dopamine plays a vital role in cognition and motor control and is an important neurotransmitter in the pathophysiology of other disorders such as obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which tend to be comorbid with ticking disorders and are thought to use similar pathways. It is concluded that there is an emotional component to ticking behaviors. Emotions primarily involving anxiety, tension, stress, and frustration have been associated with exacerbated tics, with PSP contributing to these feelings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Evaluation and Management of Movement Disorder)

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13 pages, 299 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

A Pilot Feasibility Study of Reconnecting to Internal Sensations and Experiences (RISE), a Mindfulness-Informed Intervention to Reduce Interoceptive Dysfunction and Suicidal Ideation, among University Students in India

by April R. Smith, Shruti Kinkel-Ram, William Grunwald, Tony Sam George and Vaishali Raval

Brain Sci. 2022, 12(2), 237; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12020237 - 09 Feb 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2207

Abstract

Although 20% of the world’s suicides occur in India, suicide prevention efforts in India are lagging (Vijayakumar et al., 2021). Identification of risk factors for suicide in India, as well as the development of accessible interventions to treat these risk factors, could help [...] Read more.

Although 20% of the world’s suicides occur in India, suicide prevention efforts in India are lagging (Vijayakumar et al., 2021). Identification of risk factors for suicide in India, as well as the development of accessible interventions to treat these risk factors, could help reduce suicide in India. Interoceptive dysfunction—or an inability to recognize internal sensations in the body—has emerged as a robust correlate of suicidality among studies conducted in the United States. Additionally, a mindfulness-informed intervention designed to reduce interoceptive dysfunction, and thereby suicidality, has yielded promising initial effects in pilot testing (Smith et al., 2021). The current studies sought to replicate these findings in an Indian context. Study 1 (n = 276) found that specific aspects of interoceptive dysfunction were related to current, past, and future likelihood of suicidal ideation. Study 2 (n = 40) was a small, uncontrolled pre-post online pilot of the intervention, Reconnecting to Internal Sensations and Experiences (RISE). The intervention was rated as highly acceptable and demonstrated good retention. Additionally, the intervention was associated with improvements in certain aspects of interoceptive dysfunction and reductions in suicidal ideation and eating pathology. These preliminary results suggest further testing of the intervention among Indian samples is warranted. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mindfulness, Interoception, and the Body)

9 pages, 751 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Examining First Night Effect on Sleep Parameters with hd-EEG in Healthy Individuals

by Ahmad Mayeli, Sabine A. Janssen, Kamakashi Sharma and Fabio Ferrarelli

Brain Sci. 2022, 12(2), 233; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12020233 - 08 Feb 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3107

Abstract

Difficulty sleeping in a novel environment is a common phenomenon that is often described as the first night effect (FNE). Previous works have found FNE on sleep architecture and sleep power spectra parameters, especially during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. However, the impact [...] Read more.

Difficulty sleeping in a novel environment is a common phenomenon that is often described as the first night effect (FNE). Previous works have found FNE on sleep architecture and sleep power spectra parameters, especially during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. However, the impact of FNE on sleep parameters, including local differences in electroencephalographic (EEG) activity across nights, has not been systematically assessed. Here, we performed high-density EEG sleep recordings on 27 healthy individuals on two nights and examined differences in sleep architecture, NREM (stages 2 and 3) EEG power spectra, and NREM power topography across nights. We found higher wakefulness after sleep onset (WASO), reduced sleep efficiency, and less deep NREM sleep (stage 3), along with increased high-frequency NREM EEG power during the first night of sleep, corresponding to small to medium effect sizes (Cohen’s d ≤ 0.5). Furthermore, study individuals showed significantly lower slow-wave activity in right frontal/prefrontal regions as well as higher sigma and beta activities in medial and left frontal/prefrontal areas, yielding medium to large effect sizes (Cohen’s d ≥ 0.5). Altogether, these findings suggest the FNE is characterized by less efficient, more fragmented, shallower sleep that tends to affect especially certain brain regions. The magnitude and specificity of these effects should be considered when designing sleep studies aiming to compare across night effects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Psychiatric Diseases)

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22 pages, 5351 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Age-Related Alterations in EEG Network Connectivity in Healthy Aging

by Hamad Javaid, Ekkasit Kumarnsit and Surapong Chatpun

Brain Sci. 2022, 12(2), 218; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12020218 - 05 Feb 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2833

Abstract

Emerging studies have reported that functional brain networks change with increasing age. Graph theory is applied to understand the age-related differences in brain behavior and function, and functional connectivity between the regions is examined using electroencephalography (EEG). The effect of normal aging on [...] Read more.

Emerging studies have reported that functional brain networks change with increasing age. Graph theory is applied to understand the age-related differences in brain behavior and function, and functional connectivity between the regions is examined using electroencephalography (EEG). The effect of normal aging on functional networks and inter-regional synchronization during the working memory (WM) state is not well known. In this study, we applied graph theory to investigate the effect of aging on network topology in a resting state and during performing a visual WM task to classify aging EEG signals. We recorded EEGs from 20 healthy middle-aged and 20 healthy elderly subjects with their eyes open, eyes closed, and during a visual WM task. EEG signals were used to construct the functional network; nodes are represented by EEG electrodes; and edges denote the functional connectivity. Graph theory matrices including global efficiency, local efficiency, clustering coefficient, characteristic path length, node strength, node betweenness centrality, and assortativity were calculated to analyze the networks. We applied the three classifiers of K-nearest neighbor (KNN), a support vector machine (SVM), and random forest (RF) to classify both groups. The analyses showed the significantly reduced network topology features in the elderly group. Local efficiency, global efficiency, and clustering coefficient were significantly lower in the elderly group with the eyes-open, eyes-closed, and visual WM task states. KNN achieved its highest accuracy of 98.89% during the visual WM task and depicted better classification performance than other classifiers. Our analysis of functional network connectivity and topological characteristics can be used as an appropriate technique to explore normal age-related changes in the human brain. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Neurotechnology and Neuroimaging)

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19 pages, 1468 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

A Performance-Based Teleintervention for Adults in the Chronic Stage after Acquired Brain Injury: An Exploratory Pilot Randomized Controlled Crossover Study

by Aviva Beit Yosef, Jeremy Michael Jacobs, Jeffrey Shames, Isabella Schwartz and Yafit Gilboa

Brain Sci. 2022, 12(2), 213; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12020213 - 03 Feb 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2645

Abstract

This pilot study aimed to investigate the initial effect of a remotely delivered performance-based client-centered intervention on activity performance and participation among adults in the chronic phase after acquired brain injury (ABI). Sixteen participants living at home with little to no assistance in [...] Read more.

This pilot study aimed to investigate the initial effect of a remotely delivered performance-based client-centered intervention on activity performance and participation among adults in the chronic phase after acquired brain injury (ABI). Sixteen participants living at home with little to no assistance in basic daily activities were allocated into intervention or waitlist control groups. Assessments were conducted at the baseline, after the 3-month intervention/wait period, and at a 3-month follow-up. The primary outcomes were activity performance using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) and the Performance Quality Rating Scale (PQRS) and participation using the Mayo-Portland Adaptability Inventory-4 (MPAI-4). The intervention included weekly videoconferencing sessions using the Cognitive Orientation to Daily Occupational Performance approach (tele-CO-OP). The participants identified five functional goals, of which three were directly addressed. Wilcoxon signed-ranks test results showed no significant improvements in the control group at the end of the 3-month wait period. Pooled data from both groups showed significant improvements in COPM scores for trained and untrained goals following the intervention. Significant improvements were also found in the PQRS and MPAI-4 scores. Improvements were partially maintained at follow-up. Our preliminary results suggest that tele-CO-OP may positively impact the lives of adults after ABI who are coping with long-term disability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Interventions for Improving Standards of Care in Neurology)

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21 pages, 365 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Ethical Considerations in Clinical Trials for Disorders of Consciousness

by Michael J. Young, Yelena G. Bodien and Brian L. Edlow

Brain Sci. 2022, 12(2), 211; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12020211 - 02 Feb 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3150

Abstract

As the clinical trial landscape for patients with disorders of consciousness (DoC) expands, consideration of associated ethical challenges and opportunities is of ever-increasing importance. Responsible conduct of research in the vulnerable population of persons with DoC, including those with coma, vegetative state/unresponsive wakefulness [...] Read more.

As the clinical trial landscape for patients with disorders of consciousness (DoC) expands, consideration of associated ethical challenges and opportunities is of ever-increasing importance. Responsible conduct of research in the vulnerable population of persons with DoC, including those with coma, vegetative state/unresponsive wakefulness syndrome (VS/UWS), minimally conscious state (MCS), covert cortical processing (CCP), and cognitive motor dissociation (CMD), demands proactive deliberation of unique ethical issues that may arise and the adoption of robust protections to safeguard patients, surrogates, and other key stakeholders. Here we identify and critically evaluate four central categories of ethical considerations in clinical trials involving participants with DoC: (1) autonomy, respect for persons and informed consent of individuals with liminal consciousness; (2) balancing unknown benefits and risks, especially considering the epistemological gap between behavior and consciousness that complicates ordinary ascription of subjective states; (3) disclosure to surrogates and clinical teams of investigational results pertaining to consciousness; and (4) justice considerations, including equitable access to clinical trial enrollment across communities and geographies. We outline guiding principles and research opportunities for clinicians, neuroethicists, and researchers engaged in DoC clinical trials to advance ethical study design and deployment in this complex yet crucial area of investigation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Treatments for Patients with Disorders of Consciousness)

15 pages, 3586 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Nonequivalent After-Effects of Alternating Current Stimulation on Motor Cortex Oscillation and Inhibition: Simulation and Experimental Study

by Makoto Suzuki, Satoshi Tanaka, Jose Gomez-Tames, Takuhiro Okabe, Kilchoon Cho, Naoki Iso and Akimasa Hirata

Brain Sci. 2022, 12(2), 195; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12020195 - 31 Jan 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3210

Abstract

The effects of transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) frequency on brain oscillations and cortical excitability are still controversial. Therefore, this study investigated how different tACS frequencies differentially modulate cortical oscillation and inhibition. To do so, we first determined the optimal positioning of tACS [...] Read more.

The effects of transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) frequency on brain oscillations and cortical excitability are still controversial. Therefore, this study investigated how different tACS frequencies differentially modulate cortical oscillation and inhibition. To do so, we first determined the optimal positioning of tACS electrodes through an electric field simulation constructed from magnetic resonance images. Seven electrode configurations were tested on the electric field of the precentral gyrus (hand motor area). We determined that the Cz-CP1 configuration was optimal, as it resulted in higher electric field values and minimized the intra-individual differences in the electric field. Therefore, tACS was delivered to the hand motor area through this arrangement at a fixed frequency of 10 Hz (alpha-tACS) or 20 Hz (beta-tACS) with a peak-to-peak amplitude of 0.6 mA for 20 min. We found that alpha- and beta-tACS resulted in larger alpha and beta oscillations, respectively, compared with the oscillations observed after sham-tACS. In addition, alpha- and beta-tACS decreased the amplitudes of conditioned motor evoked potentials and increased alpha and beta activity, respectively. Correspondingly, alpha- and beta-tACSs enhanced cortical inhibition. These results show that tACS frequency differentially affects motor cortex oscillation and inhibition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Brain Stimulation and Neuroplasticity—Series II)

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22 pages, 1118 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Modulating Behavioural and Self-Reported Aggression with Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation: A Literature Review

by Ruben Knehans, Teresa Schuhmann, David Roef, Hans Nelen, Joost à Campo and Jill Lobbestael

Brain Sci. 2022, 12(2), 200; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12020200 - 31 Jan 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 5474

Abstract

Aggressive behaviour is at the basis of many harms in society, such as violent crime. The efforts to explain, study, and possibly reduce aggression span various disciplines, including neuroscience. The specific brain networks which are involved in the modulation of aggressive behaviour include [...] Read more.

Aggressive behaviour is at the basis of many harms in society, such as violent crime. The efforts to explain, study, and possibly reduce aggression span various disciplines, including neuroscience. The specific brain networks which are involved in the modulation of aggressive behaviour include cortical asymmetry and brain areas such as the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (VLPFC), and the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (VMPFC). Recent non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) research suggests that both transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS) can play a role in the modulation of aggressive behaviour by directly changing brain activity. In this review, we systematically explore and discuss 11 experimental studies that aimed to modulate aggressive behaviour or self-reported aggression using NIBS. Out of these 11 studies, nine significantly up- or downregulated aggression by using tDCS or cTBS targeting the DLPFC, VLPFC or VMPFC. The potential applications of these findings span both the clinical and the forensic psychological domains. However, the results are limited by the methodological heterogeneity in the aggression measures used across the studies, and by their generally small sample sizes. Future research should consider improving the localization and specificity of NIBS by employing neuro-navigational instruments and standardized scoring methods. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dimensions of Pathological Aggression: From Neurobiology to Therapy)

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16 pages, 1194 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Neurological Prognostic Factors in Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19

by Leszek Drabik, Justyna Derbisz, Zaneta Chatys-Bogacka, Iwona Mazurkiewicz, Katarzyna Sawczynska, Tomasz Kesek, Jacek Czepiel, Pawel Wrona, Joanna Szaleniec, Malgorzata Wojcik-Bugajska, Aleksander Garlicki, Maciej Malecki, Ralph Jozefowicz, Agnieszka Slowik and Marcin Wnuk

Brain Sci. 2022, 12(2), 193; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12020193 - 30 Jan 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2825

Abstract

We aimed to search whether neurological symptoms or signs (NSS) and the MEWS (Modified Early Warning Score) score were associated with in-hospital mortality or oxygen requirement during the first 14 days of hospitalization in COVID-19 patients recruited at the University Hospital in Krakow, [...] Read more.

We aimed to search whether neurological symptoms or signs (NSS) and the MEWS (Modified Early Warning Score) score were associated with in-hospital mortality or oxygen requirement during the first 14 days of hospitalization in COVID-19 patients recruited at the University Hospital in Krakow, Poland. The detailed clinical questionnaires on twenty NSS were either filled out by patients prospectively or retrospectively assessed by neurologists based on daily medical records. NSS were considered high or low-risk if they were associated with increased or decreased mortality in the univariable analysis. This cohort study included 349 patients with COVID-19 (median age 64, interquartile range (51–77), women 54.72%). The presence of high-risk NSS (decreased level of consciousness, delirium, seizures, and symptoms of stroke or transient ischemic attack) or its combination with the absence of low-risk NSS (headache, dizziness, decreased mood, and fatigue) increased the risk of in-hospital mortality in SARS-CoV-2 infection 3.13 and 7.67-fold, respectively. The presence of low-risk NSS decreased the risk of in-hospital mortality in COVID-19 patients more than 6-fold. Death in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection, apart from NSS, was predicted by older age, neoplasm, and higher MEWS scores on admission. High-risk NSS or their combination with the absence of low-risk NSS increased the risk of oxygen requirement during hospitalization in COVID-19 patients 4.48 and 1.86-fold, respectively. Independent predictors of oxygen therapy during hospitalization in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection were also older age, male sex, neoplasm, and higher MEWS score on admission. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection COVID-19 and Brain)

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25 pages, 935 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

A Peek into Pandora’s Box: COVID-19 and Neurodegeneration

by Abhishek Chandra and Ashu Johri

Brain Sci. 2022, 12(2), 190; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12020190 - 30 Jan 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4335

Abstract

Ever since it was first reported in Wuhan, China, the coronavirus-induced disease of 2019 (COVID-19) has become an enigma of sorts with ever expanding reports of direct and indirect effects of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on almost all the [...] Read more.

Ever since it was first reported in Wuhan, China, the coronavirus-induced disease of 2019 (COVID-19) has become an enigma of sorts with ever expanding reports of direct and indirect effects of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on almost all the vital organ systems. Along with inciting acute pulmonary complications, the virus attacks the cardiac, renal, hepatic, and gastrointestinal systems as well as the central nervous system (CNS). The person-to-person variability in susceptibility of individuals to disease severity still remains a puzzle, although the comorbidities and the age/gender of a person are believed to play a key role. SARS-CoV-2 needs angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor for its infectivity, and the association between SARS-CoV-2 and ACE2 leads to a decline in ACE2 activity and its neuroprotective effects. Acute respiratory distress may also induce hypoxia, leading to increased oxidative stress and neurodegeneration. Infection of the neurons along with peripheral leukocytes’ activation results in proinflammatory cytokine release, rendering the brain more susceptible to neurodegenerative changes. Due to the advancement in molecular biology techniques and vaccine development programs, the world now has hope to relatively quickly study and combat the deadly virus. On the other side, however, the virus seems to be still evolving with new variants being discovered periodically. In keeping up with the pace of this virus, there has been an avalanche of studies. This review provides an update on the recent progress in adjudicating the CNS-related mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 infection and its potential to incite or accelerate neurodegeneration in surviving patients. Current as well as emerging therapeutic opportunities and biomarker development are highlighted. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Neurodegenerative Diseases)

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13 pages, 296 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Biomarkers in Neuropsychiatric Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Systematic Literature Review of the Last Decade

by Julius Lindblom, Chandra Mohan and Ioannis Parodis

Brain Sci. 2022, 12(2), 192; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12020192 - 30 Jan 2022

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 4307

Abstract

Nervous system involvement in patients with SLE, termed neuropsychiatric SLE (NPSLE), constitutes a diagnostic challenge, and its management is still poorly optimised. This review summarises recent insights over the past decade in laboratory biomarkers of diagnosis, monitoring, and prognosis of NPSLE. An initial [...] Read more.

Nervous system involvement in patients with SLE, termed neuropsychiatric SLE (NPSLE), constitutes a diagnostic challenge, and its management is still poorly optimised. This review summarises recent insights over the past decade in laboratory biomarkers of diagnosis, monitoring, and prognosis of NPSLE. An initial systematic search in the Medline and Web of Science was conducted to guide the selection of articles. Emerging diagnostic biomarkers in NPSLE that displayed satisfactory ability to discriminate between NPSLE and controls include serum interleukin (IL)-6, microRNA (miR)-23a, miR-155, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) α-Klotho. CSF lipocalin-2, macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF), and immunoglobulin (Ig)M also displayed such ability in two ethnically diverse cohorts. Serum interferon (IFN)-α and neuron specific enolase (NSE) were recently reported to moderately correlate with disease activity in patients with active NPSLE. CSF IL-8, IL-13, and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) exhibited excellent sensitivity, yet poorer specificity, as predictors of response to therapy in patients with NPSLE. The overall lack of validation studies across multiple and diverse cohorts necessitates further and well-concerted investigations. Nevertheless, we propound CSF lipocalin 2 among molecules that hold promise as reliable diagnostic biomarkers in NPSLE. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Neuropsychiatric Systemic Lupus Erythematosus)

14 pages, 24030 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Effects of Motor Imagery Tasks on Brain Functional Networks Based on EEG Mu/Beta Rhythm

by Hongli Yu, Sidi Ba, Yuxue Guo, Lei Guo and Guizhi Xu

Brain Sci. 2022, 12(2), 194; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12020194 - 30 Jan 2022

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3655

Abstract

Motor imagery (MI) refers to the mental rehearsal of movement in the absence of overt motor action, which can activate or inhibit cortical excitability. EEG mu/beta oscillations recorded over the human motor cortex have been shown to be consistently suppressed during both the [...] Read more.

Motor imagery (MI) refers to the mental rehearsal of movement in the absence of overt motor action, which can activate or inhibit cortical excitability. EEG mu/beta oscillations recorded over the human motor cortex have been shown to be consistently suppressed during both the imagination and performance of movements, although the specific effect on brain function remains to be confirmed. In this study, Granger causality (GC) was used to construct the brain functional network of subjects during motor imagery and resting state based on EEG in order to explore the effects of motor imagery on brain function. Parameters of the brain functional network were compared and analyzed, including degree, clustering coefficient, characteristic path length and global efficiency of EEG mu/beta rhythm in different states. The results showed that the clustering coefficient and efficiency of EEG mu/beta rhythm decreased significantly during motor imagery (p < 0.05), while degree distribution and characteristic path length increased significantly (p < 0.05), mainly concentrated in the frontal lobe and sensorimotor area. For the resting state after motor imagery, the changes of brain functional characteristics were roughly similar to those of the task state. Therefore, it is concluded that motor imagery plays an important role in activation of cortical excitability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Neural Engineering, Neuroergonomics and Neurorobotics)

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24 pages, 873 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Environmental Impact on the Epigenetic Mechanisms Underlying Parkinson’s Disease Pathogenesis: A Narrative Review

by Efthalia Angelopoulou, Yam Nath Paudel, Sokratis G. Papageorgiou and Christina Piperi

Brain Sci. 2022, 12(2), 175; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12020175 - 28 Jan 2022

Cited by 31 | Viewed by 5648

Abstract

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder with an unclear etiology and no disease-modifying treatment to date. PD is considered a multifactorial disease, since both genetic and environmental factors contribute to its pathogenesis, although the molecular mechanisms linking these two [...] Read more.

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder with an unclear etiology and no disease-modifying treatment to date. PD is considered a multifactorial disease, since both genetic and environmental factors contribute to its pathogenesis, although the molecular mechanisms linking these two key disease modifiers remain obscure. In this context, epigenetic mechanisms that alter gene expression without affecting the DNA sequence through DNA methylation, histone post-transcriptional modifications, and non-coding RNAs may represent the key mediators of the genetic–environmental interactions underlying PD pathogenesis. Environmental exposures may cause chemical alterations in several cellular functions, including gene expression. Emerging evidence has highlighted that smoking, coffee consumption, pesticide exposure, and heavy metals (manganese, arsenic, lead, etc.) may potentially affect the risk of PD development at least partially via epigenetic modifications. Herein, we discuss recent accumulating pre-clinical and clinical evidence of the impact of lifestyle and environmental factors on the epigenetic mechanisms underlying PD development, aiming to shed more light on the pathogenesis and stimulate future research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights into Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Neurodegenerative Disorders)

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25 pages, 615 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Heart Rate Variability and Pain: A Systematic Review

by Giuseppe Forte, Giovanna Troisi, Mariella Pazzaglia, Vilfredo De Pascalis and Maria Casagrande

Brain Sci. 2022, 12(2), 153; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12020153 - 24 Jan 2022

Cited by 59 | Viewed by 9325

Abstract

Background and Objective: Heart rate variability (HRV) as an index of the autonomic nervous system appears to be related to reactivity to experimental pain stimuli. HRV could better explain the contributions of sympathetic and parasympathetic activity response to nociceptive stimulation. The aim of [...] Read more.

Background and Objective: Heart rate variability (HRV) as an index of the autonomic nervous system appears to be related to reactivity to experimental pain stimuli. HRV could better explain the contributions of sympathetic and parasympathetic activity response to nociceptive stimulation. The aim of this study was to systematically review and synthesize the current evidence on HRV in relation to the experience of pain in experimental tasks. Databases and Data Treatment: Studies indexed in the PubMed, PsycINFO, MEDLINE, WebOfScience, and Scopus databases were reviewed for eligibility. Studies on the autonomic response (i.e., HRV) to experimentally induced pain in healthy adults were included. Different methods of pain induction were considered (e.g., thermal, pressure, and electrical). Data were synthesized considering the association between HRV and both pain induction and subjective measures of pain. Results: Seventy-one studies were included. The results underline significant change in both the sympathetic and parasympathetic autonomic nervous systems during the painful stimulation independent of the pain induction method. The autonomic reaction to pain could be affected by several factors, such as sex, age, body mass index, breathing patterns, the intensity of the stimulation, and the affective state. Moreover, an association between the autonomic nervous system and the subjective experience of pain was found. Higher parasympathetic activity was associated with better self-regulation capacities and, accordingly, a higher pain inhibition capacity. Conclusions: HRV appears to be a helpful marker to evaluate nociceptive response in experimentally induced pain. Future studies are also needed in clinical samples to understand better the interindividual changes of autonomic response due to pain stimuli. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Neuroscience of Pain)

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12 pages, 1605 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Olfactory Dysfunction, Headache, and Mental Clouding in Adults with Long-COVID-19: What Is the Link between Cognition and Olfaction? A Cross-Sectional Study

by Arianna Di Stadio, Michael J. Brenner, Pietro De Luca, Maria Albanese, Luca D’Ascanio, Massimo Ralli, Dalila Roccamatisi, Cristina Cingolani, Federica Vitelli, Angelo Camaioni, Stefano Di Girolamo and Evanthia Bernitsas

Brain Sci. 2022, 12(2), 154; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12020154 - 24 Jan 2022

Cited by 32 | Viewed by 5078

Abstract

Smell alteration and cognitive impairment are common features of the Long-COVID Syndrome. Mental clouding, often described as brain fog, might affect smell by altering recollection of odors or through a share mechanism of neuroinflammation. We investigated mental clouding, headache, and cognitive function in [...] Read more.

Smell alteration and cognitive impairment are common features of the Long-COVID Syndrome. Mental clouding, often described as brain fog, might affect smell by altering recollection of odors or through a share mechanism of neuroinflammation. We investigated mental clouding, headache, and cognitive function in adult patients with persistent COVID-19 olfactory dysfunction. This multi-center cross-sectional study enrolled 152 adults with self-reported olfactory dysfunction from 3 tertiary centers specialized in COVID-19 olfactory disorders. Inclusion criteria were smell alterations after COVID-19 persisting over 6 months from infection, age >18 and < 65. Exclusion criteria included smell alterations, headache, or memory problems prior to COVID-19 infection. The patients were evaluated by olfactometry, nasal endoscopy, headache scale, cognitive assessment, Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), and self-reported measures. Smell dysfunction was stratified and classified based on olfactory deficit severity and presence of olfactory distortion (parosmia, cacosmia). Data on smell disorder, mental clouding, MMSE, and headache were analyzed to assess correlations. Among the 152 patients studied, 50 (32.8%) presented with anosmia, 25 (16.4%) with hyposmia, 10 (6.6%) with parosmia/cacosmia, and 58 patients (38.2%) with a combination of hyposmia and parosmia; seven (4.6%) patients suffered from headache exclusively, and two (1.4%) had headache and mental clouding as their primary symptom. Headache was reported by 76 (50%) patients, and mental clouding by 71 (46.7%). The patients reporting headache, mental clouding, or both, had significantly increased risk of suffering from anosmia and/or hyposmia when compared with their counterparts without these neurological symptoms. No patients had reduced MMSE scores. In our cohort of adult patients with post-COVID-19, smell alterations persisting over 6 months, cognitive impairment and headache were associated with more severe olfactory loss, consistent with neuroinflammatory mechanisms mediating a variety of Long-COVID symptoms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from the 2nd International Electronic Conference on Brain Sciences)

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15 pages, 495 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Neurobiology of the Orexin System and Its Potential Role in the Regulation of Hedonic Tone

by Martin A. Katzman and Matthew P. Katzman

Brain Sci. 2022, 12(2), 150; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12020150 - 24 Jan 2022

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 6731

Abstract

Orexin peptides comprise two neuropeptides, orexin A and orexin B, that bind two G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), orexin receptor 1 (OXR1) and orexin receptor 2 (OXR2). Although cell bodies that produce orexin peptides are localized in a small area comprising the lateral hypothalamus [...] Read more.

Orexin peptides comprise two neuropeptides, orexin A and orexin B, that bind two G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), orexin receptor 1 (OXR1) and orexin receptor 2 (OXR2). Although cell bodies that produce orexin peptides are localized in a small area comprising the lateral hypothalamus and adjacent regions, orexin-containing fibres project throughout the neuraxis. Although orexins were initially described as peptides that regulate feeding behaviour, research has shown that orexins are involved in diverse functions that range from the modulation of autonomic functions to higher cognitive functions, including reward-seeking, behaviour, attention, cognition, and mood. Furthermore, disruption in orexin signalling has been shown in mood disorders that are associated with low hedonic tone or anhedonia, including depression, anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and addiction. Notably, projections of orexin neurons overlap circuits involved in the modulation of hedonic tone. Evidence shows that orexins may potentiate hedonic behaviours by increasing the feeling of pleasure or reward to various signalling, whereas dysregulation of orexin signalling may underlie low hedonic tone or anhedonia. Further, orexin appears to play a key role in regulating behaviours in motivationally charged situations, such as food-seeking during hunger, or drug-seeking during withdrawal. Therefore, it would be expected that dysregulation of orexin expression or signalling is associated with changes in hedonic tone. Further studies investigating this association are warranted. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Understanding the Pathophysiology and Treatment of Alcohol, Drugs, and Addictive Behaviors)

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14 pages, 297 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Resilience in People with Lewy Body Disorders and Their Care Partners: Association with Mental Health, Relationship Satisfaction, and Care Burden

by Sabina Vatter and Iracema Leroi

Brain Sci. 2022, 12(2), 148; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12020148 - 23 Jan 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2578

Abstract

The emergence of cognitive impairment and dementia in people with Lewy body spectrum disorders (LBS) significantly impacts the quality of life of the individual and their care partner. Coping well with the condition may depend, in part, on the degree of psychological resilience [...] Read more.

The emergence of cognitive impairment and dementia in people with Lewy body spectrum disorders (LBS) significantly impacts the quality of life of the individual and their care partner. Coping well with the condition may depend, in part, on the degree of psychological resilience or capacity to ‘bounce back’ from adversity. We explored resilience in people with Parkinson’s disease mild cognitive disorder or dementia, or dementia with Lewy bodies, and their care partners, and its relation to outcomes related to their mental well-being and quality of life. This exploratory, cross-sectional study recruited 76 participant-dyads. Resilience, quality of life, depression, anxiety, and relationship satisfaction were evaluated in both members of the dyad. In care partners, care burden and stress were also assessed. Over 70% of both care partners and recipients reported high levels of resilience. Lower resilience in both members of the dyad was associated with higher anxiety and lower quality of life. Additionally, lower resilience in care partners was associated with lower well-being, relationship satisfaction, and higher burden and stress. Resilience in persons with LBS and their care partners is important to consider when assessing mental health, relationship, and care burden outcomes, acting as a focus of intervention to support positive outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Caregiver Burden in Movement Disorders and Neurodegenerative Diseases)

14 pages, 724 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Oxidative and Nitrosative Stress in Major Depressive Disorder: A Case Control Study

by Aditya Somani, Abhishek Kumar Singh, Bandna Gupta, Sheela Nagarkoti, Pronob Kumar Dalal and Madhu Dikshit

Brain Sci. 2022, 12(2), 144; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12020144 - 21 Jan 2022

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 2584

Abstract

Introduction: The role of increased oxidative stress and alterations to the nitric oxide (NO) pathway have been implicated in major depressive disorder (MDD). The two pathways interact closely with each other but have not been studied simultaneously in MDD. This study aimed to [...] Read more.

Introduction: The role of increased oxidative stress and alterations to the nitric oxide (NO) pathway have been implicated in major depressive disorder (MDD). The two pathways interact closely with each other but have not been studied simultaneously in MDD. This study aimed to assess and compare the levels of oxidative and nitrosative stress in the neutrophils (PMNs) of drug-naive MDD patients and their first-degree relatives. Methods: 29 drug-naive MDD patients and 27 healthy first-degree relatives and healthy controls aged 18–45 years were included in this study. An assessment of the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitrites, neuronal NO synthase (nNOS), and myeloperoxidase in PMNs, and cortisol in serum was carried out. Results: Compared to healthy controls, the generation of free radicals, myeloperoxidase activity, and nNOS mRNA expression in PMNs, and cortisol level in serum were significantly higher in drug-naive depression patients. Indeed, increased levels of myeloperoxidase and serum cortisol were also noted in first-degree relatives. The total nitrite content in the PMNs and plasma however was significantly lower in both patients and first-degree relatives. Interestingly, a positive correlation was established in the ROS levels in the PMNs, plasma and neutrophil nitrite, and the serum cortisol level between MDD patients and their first-degree relatives. Conclusion: The results of this study contribute towards a better understanding of the familial association of depressive disorder, and demonstrate for the first time that neutrophil ROS/RNS, plasma nitrite, and serum cortisol levels are positively correlated between MDD patients and their first-degree relatives. However, further studies in larger, more diverse samples are needed to extend these pathways as potential biomarkers to identify persons at high risk for psychopathology at an early stage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience)

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15 pages, 8102 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Inflammatory Stress Induced by Intraperitoneal Injection of LPS Increases Phoenixin Expression and Activity in Distinct Rat Brain Nuclei

by Tiemo Friedrich, Martha Anna Schalla, Miriam Goebel-Stengel, Peter Kobelt, Matthias Rose and Andreas Stengel

Brain Sci. 2022, 12(2), 135; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12020135 - 20 Jan 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2897

Abstract

Due to phoenixin’s role in restraint stress and glucocorticoid stress, as well as its recently shown effects on the inflammasome, we aimed to investigate the effects of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory stress on the activity of brain nuclei-expressing phoenixin. Male Sprague Dawley rats ( [...] Read more.

Due to phoenixin’s role in restraint stress and glucocorticoid stress, as well as its recently shown effects on the inflammasome, we aimed to investigate the effects of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory stress on the activity of brain nuclei-expressing phoenixin. Male Sprague Dawley rats (n = 6/group) were intraperitoneally injected with either LPS or control (saline). Brains were processed for c-Fos and phoenixin immunohistochemistry and the resulting slides were evaluated using ImageJ software. c-Fos was counted and phoenixin was evaluated using densitometry. LPS stress significantly increased c-Fos expression in the central amygdaloid nucleus (CeM, 7.2-fold), supraoptic nucleus (SON, 34.8 ± 17.3 vs. 0.0 ± 0.0), arcuate nucleus (Arc, 4.9-fold), raphe pallidus (RPa, 5.1-fold), bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BSt, 5.9-fold), dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus nerve (DMN, 89-fold), and medial part of the nucleus of the solitary tract (mNTS, 121-fold) compared to the control-injected group (p < 0.05). Phoenixin expression also significantly increased in the CeM (1.2-fold), SON (1.5-fold), RPa (1.3-fold), DMN (1.3-fold), and mNTS (1.9-fold, p < 0.05), leading to a positive correlation between c-Fos and phoenixin in the RPa, BSt, and mNTS (p < 0.05). In conclusion, LPS stress induces a significant increase in activity in phoenixin immunoreactive brain nuclei that is distinctively different from restraint stress. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hypothalamus, Neuropeptides and Socioemotional Behavior)

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11 pages, 2094 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Sensory Processing Phenotypes in Phelan-McDermid Syndrome and SYNGAP1-Related Intellectual Disability

by Ariel M. Lyons-Warren, Maria C. McCormack and Jimmy L. Holder, Jr.

Brain Sci. 2022, 12(2), 137; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12020137 - 20 Jan 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3178

Abstract

Sensory processing differences are an established feature of both syndromic and non-syndromic Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs). Significant work has been carried out to characterize and classify specific sensory profiles in non-syndromic autism. However, it is not known if syndromic autism disorders, such as [...] Read more.

Sensory processing differences are an established feature of both syndromic and non-syndromic Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs). Significant work has been carried out to characterize and classify specific sensory profiles in non-syndromic autism. However, it is not known if syndromic autism disorders, such as Phelan-McDermid Syndrome (PMD) or SYNGAP1-related Intellectual Disability (SYNGAP1-ID), have unique sensory phenotypes. Understanding the sensory features of these disorders is important for providing appropriate care and for understanding their underlying mechanisms. Our objective in this work was to determine the sensory processing abnormalities present in two syndromic ASDs: Phelan-McDermid Syndrome and SYNGAP1-related Intellectual Disability. Using a standardized instrument, the Short Sensory Profile-2, we characterized sensory features in 41 patients with PMD and 24 patients with SYNGAP1-ID, and sub-scores were then calculated for seeking, avoiding, sensitivity and registration, as well as overall sensory and behavior scores. We found both patient groups exhibited atypical sensory features, including high scores in the areas of avoiding and seeking. Thus, we discovered significant sensory processing abnormalities are common in these syndromic ASDs. Measurements of sensory processing could serve as useful clinical endpoints for trials of novel therapeutics for these populations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Developmental Neuroscience)

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16 pages, 283 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Insular Involvement in Cases of Epilepsy Surgery Failure

by Jimmy Li, Sandra Reiter-Campeau, Dina Namiranian, Dènahin Hinnoutondji Toffa, Alain Bouthillier, François Dubeau and Dang Khoa Nguyen

Brain Sci. 2022, 12(2), 125; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12020125 - 18 Jan 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2304

Abstract

Background: Epilepsy surgery failure is not uncommon, with several explanations having been proposed. In this series, we detail cases of epilepsy surgery failure subsequently attributed to insular involvement. Methods: We retrospectively identified patients investigated at the epilepsy monitoring units of two Canadian tertiary [...] Read more.

Background: Epilepsy surgery failure is not uncommon, with several explanations having been proposed. In this series, we detail cases of epilepsy surgery failure subsequently attributed to insular involvement. Methods: We retrospectively identified patients investigated at the epilepsy monitoring units of two Canadian tertiary care centers (2004–2020). Included patients were adults who had undergone epilepsy surgeries with recurrence of seizures post-operatively and who were subsequently determined to have an insular epileptogenic focus. Clinical, electrophysiological, neuroimaging, and surgical data were synthesized. Results: We present 14 patients who demonstrated insular epileptic activity post-surgery-failure as detected by intracranial EEG, MEG, or seizure improvement after insular resection. Seven patients had manifestations evoking possible insular involvement prior to their first surgery. Most patients (8/14) had initial surgeries targeting the temporal lobe. Seizure recurrence ranged from the immediate post-operative period to one year. The main modality used to determine insular involvement was MEG (8/14). Nine patients underwent re-operations that included insular resection; seven achieved a favorable post-operative outcome (Engel I or II). Conclusions: Our series suggests that lowering the threshold for suspecting insular epilepsy may be necessary to improve epilepsy surgery outcomes. Detecting insular epilepsy post-surgery-failure may allow for re-operations which may lead to good outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Insula: Rediscovering the Hidden Lobe of the Brain)

10 pages, 834 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Serum Mature BDNF Level Is Associated with Remission Following ECT in Treatment-Resistant Depression

by Marion Psomiades, Marine Mondino, Filipe Galvão, Nathalie Mandairon, Mikail Nourredine, Marie-Françoise Suaud-Chagny and Jérôme Brunelin

Brain Sci. 2022, 12(2), 126; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12020126 - 18 Jan 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 1674

Abstract

The search for a biological marker predicting the future failure or success of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) remains highly challenging for patients with treatment-resistant depression. Evidence suggests that Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), a protein known to be involved in brain plasticity mechanisms, can play [...] Read more.

The search for a biological marker predicting the future failure or success of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) remains highly challenging for patients with treatment-resistant depression. Evidence suggests that Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), a protein known to be involved in brain plasticity mechanisms, can play a key role in both the clinical efficacy of ECT and the pathophysiology of depressive disorders. We hypothesized that mature BDNF (mBDNF), an isoform of BDNF involved in the neural plasticity and survival of neural networks, might be a good candidate for predicting the efficacy of ECT. Total BDNF (tBDNF) and mBDNF levels were measured in 23 patients with severe treatment-resistant depression before (baseline) they received a course of ECT. More precisely, tBDNF and mBDNF measured before ECT were compared between patients who achieved the criteria of remission after the ECT course (remitters, n = 7) and those who did not (non-remitters, n = 16). We found that at baseline, future remitters displayed significantly higher mBDNF levels than future non-remitters (p = 0.04). No differences were observed regarding tBDNF levels at baseline. The multiple logistic regression model controlled for age and sex revealed that having a higher baseline mBDNF level was significantly associated with future remission after ECT sessions (odd ratio = 1.38; 95% confidence interval = 1.07–2.02, p = 0.04). Despite the limitations of the study, current findings provide additional elements regarding the major role of BDNF and especially the mBDNF isoform in the clinical response to ECT in major depression. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Brain Stimulation and Neuroplasticity—Series II)

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23 pages, 1840 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Musical Performance in Adolescents with ADHD, ADD and Dyslexia—Behavioral and Neurophysiological Aspects

by Christine Groß, Bettina L. Serrallach, Eva Möhler, Jachin E. Pousson, Peter Schneider, Markus Christiner and Valdis Bernhofs

Brain Sci. 2022, 12(2), 127; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12020127 - 18 Jan 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 5714

Abstract

Research has shown that dyslexia and attention deficit (hyperactivity) disorder (AD(H)D) are characterized by specific neuroanatomical and neurofunctional differences in the auditory cortex. These neurofunctional characteristics in children with ADHD, ADD and dyslexia are linked to distinct differences in music perception. Group-specific differences [...] Read more.

Research has shown that dyslexia and attention deficit (hyperactivity) disorder (AD(H)D) are characterized by specific neuroanatomical and neurofunctional differences in the auditory cortex. These neurofunctional characteristics in children with ADHD, ADD and dyslexia are linked to distinct differences in music perception. Group-specific differences in the musical performance of patients with ADHD, ADD and dyslexia have not been investigated in detail so far. We investigated the musical performance and neurophysiological correlates of 21 adolescents with dyslexia, 19 with ADHD, 28 with ADD and 28 age-matched, unaffected controls using a music performance assessment scale and magnetoencephalography (MEG). Musical experts independently assessed pitch and rhythmic accuracy, intonation, improvisation skills and musical expression. Compared to dyslexic adolescents, controls as well as adolescents with ADHD and ADD performed better in rhythmic reproduction, rhythmic improvisation and musical expression. Controls were significantly better in rhythmic reproduction than adolescents with ADD and scored higher in rhythmic and pitch improvisation than adolescents with ADHD. Adolescents with ADD and controls scored better in pitch reproduction than dyslexic adolescents. In pitch improvisation, the ADD group performed better than the ADHD group, and controls scored better than dyslexic adolescents. Discriminant analysis revealed that rhythmic improvisation and musical expression discriminate the dyslexic group from controls and adolescents with ADHD and ADD. A second discriminant analysis based on MEG variables showed that absolute P1 latency asynchrony |R-L| distinguishes the control group from the disorder groups best, while P1 and N1 latencies averaged across hemispheres separate the control, ADD and ADHD groups from the dyslexic group. Furthermore, rhythmic improvisation was negatively correlated with auditory-evoked P1 and N1 latencies, pointing in the following direction: the earlier the P1 and N1 latencies (mean), the better the rhythmic improvisation. These findings provide novel insight into the differences between music processing and performance in adolescents with and without neurodevelopmental disorders. A better understanding of these differences may help to develop tailored preventions or therapeutic interventions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Developmental Neuroscience)

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12 pages, 1989 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The Shape of the Olfactory Bulb Predicts Olfactory Function

by Xiaoguang Yan, Akshita Joshi, Yunpeng Zang, Francisca Assunção, Henrique M. Fernandes and Thomas Hummel

Brain Sci. 2022, 12(2), 128; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12020128 - 18 Jan 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2306

Abstract

The olfactory bulb (OB) plays a key role in the processing of olfactory information. A large body of research has shown that OB volumes correlate with olfactory function, which provides diagnostic and prognostic information in olfactory dysfunction. Still, the potential value of the [...] Read more.

The olfactory bulb (OB) plays a key role in the processing of olfactory information. A large body of research has shown that OB volumes correlate with olfactory function, which provides diagnostic and prognostic information in olfactory dysfunction. Still, the potential value of the OB shape remains unclear. Based on our clinical experience we hypothesized that the shape of the OB predicts olfactory function, and that it is linked to olfactory loss, age, and gender. The aim of this study was to produce a classification of OB shape in the human brain, scalable to clinical and research applications. Results from patients with the five most frequent causes of olfactory dysfunction (n = 192) as well as age/gender-matched healthy controls (n = 77) were included. Olfactory function was examined in great detail using the extended “Sniffin’ Sticks” test. A high-resolution structural T2-weighted MRI scan was obtained for all. The planimetric contours (surface in mm²) of OB were delineated manually, and then all surfaces were added and multiplied to obtain the OB volume in mm³. OB shapes were outlined manually and characterized on a selected slice through the posterior coronal plane tangential to the eyeballs. We looked at OB shapes in terms of convexity and defined two patterns/seven categories based on OB contours: convex (olive, circle, and plano-convex) and non-convex (banana, irregular, plane, and scattered). Categorization of OB shapes is possible with a substantial inter-rater agreement (Cohen’s Kappa = 0.73). Our results suggested that non-convex OB patterns were significantly more often observed in patients than in controls. OB shapes were correlated with olfactory function in the whole group, independent of age, gender, and OB volume. OB shapes seemed to change with age in healthy subjects. Importantly, the results indicated that OB shapes were associated with certain causes of olfactory disorders, i.e., an irregular OB shape was significantly more often observed in post-traumatic olfactory loss. Our study provides evidence that the shape of the OB can be used as a biomarker for olfactory dysfunction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Investigating the Interplay between Olfaction, Social Behaviour, and Individual Differences)

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17 pages, 409 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Update on Domestic Violence and Traumatic Brain Injury: A Narrative Review

by Kellianne Costello and Brian D. Greenwald

Brain Sci. 2022, 12(1), 122; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12010122 - 17 Jan 2022

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 7684

Abstract

Research on traumatic brain injury (TBI) as a result of domestic violence has greatly increased in the past decade, with publications addressing the prevalence, diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment. Although TBI due to domestic violence has recently been found to occur quite frequently, it [...] Read more.

Research on traumatic brain injury (TBI) as a result of domestic violence has greatly increased in the past decade, with publications addressing the prevalence, diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment. Although TBI due to domestic violence has recently been found to occur quite frequently, it was not widely understood until the 1990s. Individuals who suffer from domestic violence TBI often experience sequelae such as decreased cognitive functioning, memory loss, and PTSD. The goal of this article is to increase awareness about TBI secondary to domestic violence, with the intent that it will highlight areas for future research on the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of TBI in this population. The articles in this study were first found using the search terms traumatic brain injury and domestic violence. Although, in recent years, there has been a significant increase in research on TBI due to domestic violence, the overall conclusion of this review article is that there is still a need for future research in many areas including the effects on minority populations, the effects of COVID-19, and improvements of screening tools. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Neurorehabilitation)

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8 pages, 821 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoicePerspective

Restless Legs Syndrome: Known Knowns and Known Unknowns

by Elena Antelmi, Lorenzo Rocchi, Anna Latorre, Daniele Belvisi, Francesca Magrinelli, Kailash P. Bhatia and Michele Tinazzi

Brain Sci. 2022, 12(1), 118; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12010118 - 16 Jan 2022

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 6064

Abstract

Although restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common neurological disorder, it remains poorly understood from both clinical and pathophysiological perspectives. RLS is classified among sleep-related movement disorders, namely, conditions characterized by simple, often stereotyped movements occurring during sleep. However, several clinical, neurophysiological and [...] Read more.

Although restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common neurological disorder, it remains poorly understood from both clinical and pathophysiological perspectives. RLS is classified among sleep-related movement disorders, namely, conditions characterized by simple, often stereotyped movements occurring during sleep. However, several clinical, neurophysiological and neuroimaging observations question this view. The aim of the present review is to summarize and query some of the current concepts (known knowns) and to identify open questions (known unknowns) on RLS pathophysiology. Based on several lines of evidence, we propose that RLS should be viewed as a disorder of sensorimotor interaction with a typical circadian pattern of occurrence, possibly arising from neurochemical dysfunction and abnormal excitability in different brain structures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomarkers and Novel Therapeutic Approaches for Movement Disorders: State-of-the-Art, Gaps and Perspectives)

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10 pages, 455 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Caregiver Burden and Quality of Life in Late Stage Parkinson’s Disease

by Kristina Rosqvist, Anette Schrag, Per Odin and the CLaSP Consortium

Brain Sci. 2022, 12(1), 111; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12010111 - 14 Jan 2022

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2640

Abstract

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a chronic, progressive, neurodegenerative disease involving both motor and non-motor symptoms (NMS). In the late stage of the disease, Hoehn and Yahr (HY) stages IV-V, the symptomatology is often severe and patients become increasingly dependent on help in their [...] Read more.

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a chronic, progressive, neurodegenerative disease involving both motor and non-motor symptoms (NMS). In the late stage of the disease, Hoehn and Yahr (HY) stages IV-V, the symptomatology is often severe and patients become increasingly dependent on help in their daily life, resulting in an increased burden for the informal caregivers. To assess the implications of the caregiver burden, caregiver quality of life (QoL) was assessed in 74 informal caregivers to patients in late stage PD, by the Alzheimer’s Patient Partners Life Impact Questionnaire (APPLIQue), which has been found useful also in PD. The majority of caregivers were the spouse/partner. Individual items provided information on which aspects of caregiver burden were the most common, i.e., items: “feel guilty if not there” (71% affirmed), “situation wears me down” (65% affirmed) and “always on my mind” (61% affirmed). In simple linear regression analyses, female patient gender (p = 0.007), better cognition (p = 0.004), lower NMS burden (p = 0.012) and not being the partner (p = 0.022) were associated with better caregiver QoL. Multivariable linear regression analyses identified better cognition (p = 0.004) and female patient gender (p = 0.035) as independently associated with better informal caregiver QoL. Identifying and treating NMS as well as recognizing and alleviating caregiver burden seem essential to enhance QoL for both patients and caregivers in late stage PD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Caregiver Burden in Movement Disorders and Neurodegenerative Diseases)

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13 pages, 21217 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

CT in the Differentiation of Gliomas from Brain Metastases: The Radiomics Analysis of the Peritumoral Zone

by Lucian Mărginean, Paul Andrei Ștefan, Andrei Lebovici, Iulian Opincariu, Csaba Csutak, Roxana Adelina Lupean, Paul Alexandru Coroian and Bogdan Andrei Suciu

Brain Sci. 2022, 12(1), 109; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12010109 - 14 Jan 2022

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 5419

Abstract

Due to their similar imaging features, high-grade gliomas (HGGs) and solitary brain metastases (BMs) can be easily misclassified. The peritumoral zone (PZ) of HGGs develops neoplastic cell infiltration, while in BMs the PZ contains pure vasogenic edema. As the two PZs cannot be [...] Read more.

Due to their similar imaging features, high-grade gliomas (HGGs) and solitary brain metastases (BMs) can be easily misclassified. The peritumoral zone (PZ) of HGGs develops neoplastic cell infiltration, while in BMs the PZ contains pure vasogenic edema. As the two PZs cannot be differentiated macroscopically, this study investigated whether computed tomography (CT)-based texture analysis (TA) of the PZ can reflect the histological difference between the two entities. Thirty-six patients with solitary brain tumors (HGGs, n = 17; BMs, n = 19) that underwent CT examinations were retrospectively included in this pilot study. TA of the PZ was analyzed using dedicated software (MaZda version 5). Univariate, multivariate, and receiver operating characteristics analyses were used to identify the best-suited parameters for distinguishing between the two groups. Seven texture parameters were able to differentiate between HGGs and BMs with variable sensitivity (56.67–96.67%) and specificity (69.23–100%) rates. Their combined ability successfully identified HGGs with 77.9–99.2% sensitivity and 75.3–100% specificity. In conclusion, the CT-based TA can be a useful tool for differentiating between primary and secondary malignancies. The TA features indicate a more heterogenous content of the HGGs’ PZ, possibly due to the local infiltration of neoplastic cells. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Imaging and Pathological Markers for Metastatic Brain Tumors)

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16 pages, 349 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Revisiting Hemispheric Asymmetry in Mood Regulation: Implications for rTMS for Major Depressive Disorder

by Benjamin C. Gibson, Andrei Vakhtin, Vincent P. Clark, Christopher C. Abbott and Davin K. Quinn

Brain Sci. 2022, 12(1), 112; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12010112 - 14 Jan 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3760

Abstract

Hemispheric differences in emotional processing have been observed for over half a century, leading to multiple theories classifying differing roles for the right and left hemisphere in emotional processing. Conventional acceptance of these theories has had lasting clinical implications for the treatment of [...] Read more.

Hemispheric differences in emotional processing have been observed for over half a century, leading to multiple theories classifying differing roles for the right and left hemisphere in emotional processing. Conventional acceptance of these theories has had lasting clinical implications for the treatment of mood disorders. The theory that the left hemisphere is broadly associated with positively valenced emotions, while the right hemisphere is broadly associated with negatively valenced emotions, drove the initial application of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). Subsequent rTMS research has led to improved response rates while adhering to the same initial paradigm of administering excitatory rTMS to the left prefrontal cortex (PFC) and inhibitory rTMS to the right PFC. However, accumulating evidence points to greater similarities in emotional regulation between the hemispheres than previously theorized, with potential implications for how rTMS for MDD may be delivered and optimized in the near future. This review will catalog the range of measurement modalities that have been used to explore and describe hemispheric differences, and highlight evidence that updates and advances knowledge of TMS targeting and parameter selection. Future directions for research are proposed that may advance precision medicine and improve efficacy of TMS for MDD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Psychiatric Diseases)

14 pages, 479 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceSystematic Review

Correlation between Mild Traumatic Brain Injury-Induced Inflammatory Cytokines and Emotional Symptom Traits: A Systematic Review

by Shazia Malik, Omar Alnaji, Mahnoor Malik, Teresa Gambale and Michel Piers Rathbone

Brain Sci. 2022, 12(1), 102; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12010102 - 12 Jan 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2865

Abstract

Both mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI) and systemic injuries trigger a transient neuroinflammatory response that result in similar clinical outcome. The ensuing physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms fail to subside in approximately 15–20% of the concussed population. Emotional impairments, particularly depression, anxiety, and [...] Read more.

Both mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI) and systemic injuries trigger a transient neuroinflammatory response that result in similar clinical outcome. The ensuing physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms fail to subside in approximately 15–20% of the concussed population. Emotional impairments, particularly depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), are commonly associated with poor recovery following mTBI. These emotional impairments also have a significant neuroinflammatory component. We hypothesized that the inflammatory cytokines seen in mTBI patients with emotional symptoms would coincide with those commonly seen in patients with emotional symptoms without mTBI. A systematic review was conducted to identify the most common neuroinflammatory cytokines in the mTBI population with psychological symptoms (depression, anxiety, PTSD). The electronic databases EMBASE, MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), PUBMED, and PSYCINFO were searched from data inception to 31 August 2021. A systematic screening approach was employed from screening to data analysis. A total of 994 articles were screened, 108 were selected for full article review, and 8 were selected for data analysis. The included studies consisted of 875 patients of which 81.3% were male. The mean sample size of patients with at least one mTBI was 73.8 ± 70.3 (range, 9–213), with a mean age of 33.9 ± 4.8 years. The most common cytokines associated with poor psychological outcomes involving PTSD and/or depression in the chronic mTBI population were IL-6, TNFα, IL-10, and CRP. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Frontiers in Biomarkers of Brain Injury)

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17 pages, 1601 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The Semantics of Natural Objects and Tools in the Brain: A Combined Behavioral and MEG Study

by Elisa Visani, Davide Rossi Sebastiano, Dunja Duran, Gioacchino Garofalo, Fabio Magliocco, Francesco Silipo and Giovanni Buccino

Brain Sci. 2022, 12(1), 97; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12010097 - 12 Jan 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2030

Abstract

Current literature supports the notion that the recognition of objects, when visually presented, is sub-served by neural structures different from those responsible for the semantic processing of their nouns. However, embodiment foresees that processing observed objects and their verbal labels should share similar [...] Read more.

Current literature supports the notion that the recognition of objects, when visually presented, is sub-served by neural structures different from those responsible for the semantic processing of their nouns. However, embodiment foresees that processing observed objects and their verbal labels should share similar neural mechanisms. In a combined behavioral and MEG study, we compared the modulation of motor responses and cortical rhythms during the processing of graspable natural objects and tools, either verbally or pictorially presented. Our findings demonstrate that conveying meaning to an observed object or processing its noun similarly modulates both motor responses and cortical rhythms; being natural graspable objects and tools differently represented in the brain, they affect in a different manner both behavioral and MEG findings, independent of presentation modality. These results provide experimental evidence that neural substrates responsible for conveying meaning to objects overlap with those where the object is represented, thus supporting an embodied view of semantic processing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of the Sensorimotor System in Cognitive Functions)

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16 pages, 4000 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Identification of Autism in Children Using Static Facial Features and Deep Neural Networks

by K. K. Mujeeb Rahman and M. Monica Subashini

Brain Sci. 2022, 12(1), 94; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12010094 - 12 Jan 2022

Cited by 38 | Viewed by 12478

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complicated neurological developmental disorder that manifests itself in a variety of ways. The child diagnosed with ASD and their parents’ daily lives can be dramatically improved with early diagnosis and appropriate medical intervention. The applicability of static [...] Read more.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complicated neurological developmental disorder that manifests itself in a variety of ways. The child diagnosed with ASD and their parents’ daily lives can be dramatically improved with early diagnosis and appropriate medical intervention. The applicability of static features extracted from autistic children’s face photographs as a biomarker to distinguish them from typically developing children is investigated in this study paper. We used five pre-trained CNN models: MobileNet, Xception, EfficientNetB0, EfficientNetB1, and EfficientNetB2 as feature extractors and a DNN model as a binary classifier to identify autism in children accurately. We used a publicly available dataset to train the suggested models, which consisted of face pictures of children diagnosed with autism and controls classed as autistic and non-autistic. The Xception model outperformed the others, with an AUC of 96.63%, a sensitivity of 88.46%, and an NPV of 88%. EfficientNetB0 produced a consistent prediction score of 59% for autistic and non-autistic groups with a 95% confidence level. Full article

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15 pages, 312 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in Parkinson’s Disease Patients Are Associated with Reduced Health-Related Quality of Life and Increased Caregiver Burden

by Hannah von Eichel, Johanne Heine, Florian Wegner, Sophia Rogozinski, Stephanie Stiel, Adrian Groh, Lea Krey, Günter U. Höglinger and Martin Klietz

Brain Sci. 2022, 12(1), 89; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12010089 - 11 Jan 2022

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 2564

Abstract

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder resulting in reduced health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) of people with PD (PwP) and their caregivers. Furthermore, there is an accumulating burden on caregivers of patients in advanced stages of the disease. In previous studies, [...] Read more.

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder resulting in reduced health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) of people with PD (PwP) and their caregivers. Furthermore, there is an accumulating burden on caregivers of patients in advanced stages of the disease. In previous studies, motor- and non-motor-symptoms of PwP have been identified to contribute to reduced HR-QoL and an increased caregiver burden. This cross-sectional observational study aimed to study the influence of neuropsychiatric symptoms measured with the Scale for Evaluation of Neuropsychiatric Disorders in Parkinson’s Disease (SEND-PD) questionnaire on the HR-QoL of PwP, as well as the caregiver burden. Analyses revealed a significant association between SEND-PD subscale mood/apathy and reduced HR-QoL in PwP, measured by the Parkinson’s disease quality of life questionnaire (PDQ-8) (p < 0.001). Furthermore, mood/apathy was significantly correlated with caregiver burden (p = 0.001) in the multiple linear regression analysis. Hence, neuropsychiatric symptoms were found to have a profound impact on the HR-QoL of PwP, as well as on caregiver burden. Since neuropsychiatric symptoms were one of the main predictors for caregiver burden, physicians of PwP should treat these symptoms to stabilize caregiver burden, as well as HR-QoL in PwP and their caregivers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Caregiver Burden in Movement Disorders and Neurodegenerative Diseases)

15 pages, 352 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Neuropsychiatric Manifestations of Antiphospholipid Syndrome—A Narrative Review

by Yik Long Man and Giovanni Sanna

Brain Sci. 2022, 12(1), 91; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12010091 - 11 Jan 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3048

Abstract

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a common autoimmune pro-thrombotic condition characterised by thrombosis and pregnancy morbidity. There are a broad range of neuropsychiatric manifestations associated with APS, from focal symptoms to more global dysfunction. Patients commonly present with transient ischaemic attacks and ischaemic strokes, [...] Read more.

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a common autoimmune pro-thrombotic condition characterised by thrombosis and pregnancy morbidity. There are a broad range of neuropsychiatric manifestations associated with APS, from focal symptoms to more global dysfunction. Patients commonly present with transient ischaemic attacks and ischaemic strokes, with identifiable lesions on brain imaging. However, the underlying pathogenesis remains uncertain in other manifestations, such as cognitive dysfunction, seizures, headache and chorea. The aim is to provide a comprehensive review of the various neuropsychiatric manifestations associated with APS. A detailed literature search was applied to PubMed, including citations from 1983 to December 2021. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Neuropsychiatric Systemic Lupus Erythematosus)

18 pages, 2468 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Multi-Modal Feature Selection with Feature Correlation and Feature Structure Fusion for MCI and AD Classification

by Zhuqing Jiao, Siwei Chen, Haifeng Shi and Jia Xu

Brain Sci. 2022, 12(1), 80; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12010080 - 05 Jan 2022

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 3041

Abstract

Feature selection for multiple types of data has been widely applied in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) classification research. Combining multi-modal data for classification can better realize the complementarity of valuable information. In order to improve the classification performance of [...] Read more.

Feature selection for multiple types of data has been widely applied in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) classification research. Combining multi-modal data for classification can better realize the complementarity of valuable information. In order to improve the classification performance of feature selection on multi-modal data, we propose a multi-modal feature selection algorithm using feature correlation and feature structure fusion (FC2FS). First, we construct feature correlation regularization by fusing a similarity matrix between multi-modal feature nodes. Then, based on manifold learning, we employ feature matrix fusion to construct feature structure regularization, and learn the local geometric structure of the feature nodes. Finally, the two regularizations are embedded in a multi-task learning model that introduces low-rank constraint, the multi-modal features are selected, and the final features are linearly fused and input into a support vector machine (SVM) for classification. Different controlled experiments were set to verify the validity of the proposed method, which was applied to MCI and AD classification. The accuracy of normal controls versus Alzheimer’s disease, normal controls versus late mild cognitive impairment, normal controls versus early mild cognitive impairment, and early mild cognitive impairment versus late mild cognitive impairment achieve 91.85 ± 1.42%, 85.33 ± 2.22%, 78.29 ± 2.20%, and 77.67 ± 1.65%, respectively. This method makes up for the shortcomings of the traditional multi-modal feature selection based on subjects and fully considers the relationship between feature nodes and the local geometric structure of feature space. Our study not only enhances the interpretation of feature selection but also improves the classification performance, which has certain reference values for the identification of MCI and AD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insight into Cellular and Molecular Bases of Brain Disorders)

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14 pages, 2832 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Visual Duration but Not Numerosity Is Distorted While Running

by Irene Petrizzo, Giovanni Anobile, Eleonora Chelli, Roberto Arrighi and David Charles Burr

Brain Sci. 2022, 12(1), 81; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12010081 - 05 Jan 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1972

Abstract

There is increasing evidence that action and perception interact in the processing of magnitudes such as duration and numerosity. Sustained physical exercise (such as running or cycling) increases the apparent duration of visual stimuli presented during the activity. However, the effect of exercise [...] Read more.

There is increasing evidence that action and perception interact in the processing of magnitudes such as duration and numerosity. Sustained physical exercise (such as running or cycling) increases the apparent duration of visual stimuli presented during the activity. However, the effect of exercise on numerosity perception has not yet been investigated. Here, we asked participants to make either a temporal or a numerical judgment by comparing the duration or numerosity of standard stimuli displayed at rest with those presented while running. The results support previous reports in showing that physical activity significantly expands perceived duration; however, it had no effect on perceived numerosity. Furthermore, the distortions of the perceived durations vanished soon after the running session, making it unlikely that physiological factors such as heart rate underlie the temporal distortion. Taken together, these results suggest a domain-selective influence of the motor system on the perception of time, rather than a general effect on magnitude. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of the Sensorimotor System in Cognitive Functions)

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13 pages, 847 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

EMG-Triggered Pedaling Training on Muscle Activation, Gait, and Motor Function for Stroke Patients

by Kyeongjin Lee

Brain Sci. 2022, 12(1), 76; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12010076 - 04 Jan 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2153

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the effects of electromyography (EMG)-triggered pedaling training to improve motor functions in the lower extremities, muscle activation, gait, postural balance, and activities of daily living in stroke patients. Subjects were randomly allocated to two groups: the EMG-triggered pedaling [...] Read more.

This study aimed to determine the effects of electromyography (EMG)-triggered pedaling training to improve motor functions in the lower extremities, muscle activation, gait, postural balance, and activities of daily living in stroke patients. Subjects were randomly allocated to two groups: the EMG-triggered pedaling training group (EMG-PTG, n = 21) and the traditional pedaling training group (TPTG, n = 20). Both groups trained five times per week for four weeks, with 50 min per session. Lower extremity motor function was assessed using the Fugl–Meyer Assessment (FMA). Muscle activation of the four muscles of the lower extremities was assessed using eight-channel electromyography, while gait ability was assessed using GaitRite. Postural balance was assessed using the Berg balance scale (BBS), the timed up and go (TUG), and functional reach tests (FRT). Daily activities were assessed using the Modified Barthel Index (MBI). For lower extremity motor function, gait ability, balance ability, and activities of daily living, the EMG-PTG showed significant improvement compared to TPTG (p < 0.05). These results suggest that EMG-triggered pedaling training effectively improves lower extremity motor function, muscle activation, gait, postural balance, and activities of daily living in stroke patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Neurorehabilitation)

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17 pages, 328 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Evidence from ERP and Eye Movements as Markers of Language Dysfunction in Dyslexia

by Aikaterini Premeti, Maria Pia Bucci and Frédéric Isel

Brain Sci. 2022, 12(1), 73; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12010073 - 01 Jan 2022

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3784

Abstract

Developmental dyslexia is a complex reading disorder involving genetic and environmental factors. After more than a century of research, its etiology remains debated. Two hypotheses are often put forward by scholars to account for the causes of dyslexia. The most common one, the [...] Read more.

Developmental dyslexia is a complex reading disorder involving genetic and environmental factors. After more than a century of research, its etiology remains debated. Two hypotheses are often put forward by scholars to account for the causes of dyslexia. The most common one, the linguistic hypothesis, postulates that dyslexia is due to poor phonological awareness. The alternative hypothesis considers that dyslexia is caused by visual-attentional deficits and abnormal eye movement patterns. This article reviews a series of selected event-related brain potential (ERP) and eye movement studies on the reading ability of dyslexic individuals to provide an informed state of knowledge on the etiology of dyslexia. Our purpose is to show that the two abovementioned hypotheses are not necessarily mutually exclusive, and that dyslexia should rather be considered as a multifactorial deficit. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neurobiological Basis of Developmental Dyslexia)

12 pages, 290 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Neurological Manifestations in a Cohort of Egyptian Patients with COVID-19: A Prospective, Multicenter, Observational Study

by Doaa A. Mekkawy, Sherif Hamdy, Maged Abdel-Naseer, Hatem S. Shehata, Ahmed Al Halfawy, Nevin M. Shalaby, Ghaydaa A. Shehata, Anwar M. Ali, Alaa Elmazny, Sandra M. Ahmed, Jumana H. Ismail, Aml Ibraheim, Hoda M. Abdel-Hamid, Rehab Magdy, Younan Kabara Ayoub, Ahmed E. Taha, Nahla Merghany, Nourhan M. Soliman, Haidy Elshebawy, Samar E. S. Abdelal, Lobna El-Ghoneimy, Aussan Al-Athwari, Nirmeen A. Kishk, Mona A. F. Nada, Marwa Farghaly, Amr Hassan, Mohamed I. Hegazy, Ahmed Abdelalim, Husam S. Mourad, Amira Hassouna, Alshimaa S. Othman and Tissa Wijeratne Show full author list Hide full author list

Brain Sci. 2022, 12(1), 74; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12010074 - 01 Jan 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2618

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has reached over 276 million people globally with 5.3 million deaths as of 22nd December 2021. COVID-19-associated acute and long-term neurological manifestations are well recognized. The exact profile and the timing of neurological events in relation to the onset [...] Read more.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has reached over 276 million people globally with 5.3 million deaths as of 22nd December 2021. COVID-19-associated acute and long-term neurological manifestations are well recognized. The exact profile and the timing of neurological events in relation to the onset of infection are worth exploring. The aim of the current body of work was to determine the frequency, pattern, and temporal profile of neurological manifestations in a cohort of Egyptian patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection. Methods: This was a prospective study conducted on 582 hospitalized COVID-19 patients within the first two weeks of the diagnosis of COVID-19 to detect any specific or non-specific neurological events. Results: The patients’ mean (SD) age was 46.74 (17.26) years, and 340 (58.42%) patients were females. The most commonly encountered COVID-19 symptoms were fever (90.72%), cough (82.99%), and fatigue (76.98%). Neurological events (NE) detected in 283 patients (48.63%) and were significantly associated with a severe COVID-19 at the onset (OR: 3.13; 95% CI: 2.18–4.51; p < 0.0001) and with a higher mortality (OR: 2.56; 95% CI: 1.48–5.46; p = 0.019). The most frequently reported NEs were headaches (n = 167) and myalgias (n = 126). Neurological syndromes included stroke (n = 14), encephalitis (n = 12), encephalopathy (n = 11), transverse myelitis (n = 6) and Guillain-Barré syndrome (n = 4). Conclusions: Neurological involvement is common (48.63%) in COVID-19 patients within the first two weeks of the illness. This includes neurological symptoms such as anosmia, headaches, as well as a constellation of neurological syndromes such as stroke, encephalitis, transverse myelitis, and Guillain-Barré syndrome. Severity of acute COVID-19 illness and older age are the main risk factors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection COVID-19 and Brain)

22 pages, 761 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Citicoline and COVID-19-Related Cognitive and Other Neurologic Complications

by Yuda Turana, Michael Nathaniel, Robert Shen, Soegianto Ali and Rajender R. Aparasu

Brain Sci. 2022, 12(1), 59; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12010059 - 31 Dec 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 7621

Abstract

With growing concerns about COVID-19’s hyperinflammatory condition and its potentially damaging impact on the neurovascular system, there is a need to consider potential treatment options for managing short- and long-term effects on neurological complications, especially cognitive function. While maintaining adequate structure and function [...] Read more.

With growing concerns about COVID-19’s hyperinflammatory condition and its potentially damaging impact on the neurovascular system, there is a need to consider potential treatment options for managing short- and long-term effects on neurological complications, especially cognitive function. While maintaining adequate structure and function of phospholipid in brain cells, citicoline, identical to the natural metabolite phospholipid phosphatidylcholine precursor, can contribute to a variety of neurological diseases and hypothetically toward post-COVID-19 cognitive effects. In this review, we comprehensively describe in detail the potential citicoline mechanisms as adjunctive therapy and prevention of COVID-19-related cognitive decline and other neurologic complications through citicoline properties of anti-inflammation, anti-viral, neuroprotection, neurorestorative, and acetylcholine neurotransmitter synthesis, and provide a recommendation for future clinical trials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Mechanisms and Treatments of Neurodegenerative Diseases)

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17 pages, 2955 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Effects of a Cognitive-Motor Training on Anticipatory Brain Functions and Sport Performance in Semi-Elite Basketball Players

by Stefania Lucia, Valentina Bianco, Luca Boccacci and Francesco Di Russo

Brain Sci. 2022, 12(1), 68; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12010068 - 31 Dec 2021

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 4944

Abstract

The aim of this research was to test the possible effects of cognitive–motor training (CMT) on athletes’ sport performance and cognitive functions. Namely, specific athletic tests, brain processes associated with anticipatory event-related potential (ERP) components and behavioral performance during a cognitive discrimination response [...] Read more.

The aim of this research was to test the possible effects of cognitive–motor training (CMT) on athletes’ sport performance and cognitive functions. Namely, specific athletic tests, brain processes associated with anticipatory event-related potential (ERP) components and behavioral performance during a cognitive discrimination response task were evaluated pre- and post-training. Twenty-four young semi-professional basketball players were recruited for the study and randomly divided into an experimental (Exp) group executing the CMT training and a control (Con) group performing standard motor training. The CMT training protocol included exercises in which participants performed cognitive tasks during dribbling exercises using interactive devices which emitted visual and auditory stimuli, in which athletes’ responses were recorded. Results showed that following training, only the Exp group improved in all sport-specific tests (17%) and more than the Con group (88% vs. 60%) in response accuracy during the cognitive test. At brain level, post-training anticipatory cognitive processes associated with proactive inhibition and top-down attention in the prefrontal cortex were earlier and heightened in the Exp group. Our findings confirm previous studies on clear improved efficacy of CMT training protocols on sport performance and cognition compared to training based on motor exercises only, but extend the literature in showing that these effects might be explained by enhanced anticipatory brain processing in the prefrontal cortex. The present study also suggests that in order to achieve specific athletic goals, the brain adapts cognitive functions by means of neuroplasticity processes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Behavioral Neuroscience)

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16 pages, 1280 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Blinding in tDCS Studies: Correct End-of-Study Guess Does Not Moderate the Effects on Associative and Working Memory

by Marija Stanković, Marko Živanović, Jovana Bjekić and Saša R. Filipović

Brain Sci. 2022, 12(1), 58; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12010058 - 31 Dec 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2553

Abstract

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has become a valuable tool in cognitive neuroscience research as it enables causal inferences about neural underpinnings of cognition. However, studies using tDCS to modulate cognitive functions often yield inconsistent findings. Hence, there is an increasing interest in [...] Read more.

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has become a valuable tool in cognitive neuroscience research as it enables causal inferences about neural underpinnings of cognition. However, studies using tDCS to modulate cognitive functions often yield inconsistent findings. Hence, there is an increasing interest in factors that may moderate the effects, one of which is the participants’ beliefs of the tDCS condition (i.e., real or sham) they received. Namely, whether participants’ correct guessing of sham condition may lead to false-positive tDCS effects. In this study, we aimed to explore if participants’ beliefs about received stimulation type (i.e., the success of blinding) impacted their task performance in tDCS experiments on associative (AM) and working memory (WM). We analyzed data from four within-subject, sham-controlled tDCS memory experiments (N = 83) to check if the correct end-of-study guess of sham condition moderated tDCS effects. We found no evidence that sham guessing moderated post-tDCS memory performance in experiments in which tDCS effects were observed as well as in experiments that showed null effects of tDCS. The results suggest that the correct sham guessing (i.e., placebo-like effect) is unlikely to influence the results in tDCS memory experiments. We discuss the results in light of the growing debate about the relevance and effectiveness of blinding in brain stimulation research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Modulatory Role of Non-invasive Brain Stimulation Techniques on Cognitive Functions: Hints from Significant and Null Results)

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11 pages, 599 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Support Needs and Interventions for Family Caregivers of Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): A Narrative Review with Report of Telemedicine Experiences at the Time of COVID-19 Pandemic

by Giulia D’Alvano, Daniela Buonanno, Carla Passaniti, Manuela De Stefano, Luigi Lavorgna, Gioacchino Tedeschi, Mattia Siciliano and Francesca Trojsi

Brain Sci. 2022, 12(1), 49; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12010049 - 30 Dec 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3169

Abstract

Family caregivers of people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a severely disabling neurodegenerative disease due to the degeneration of both upper and lower motor neurons, have a very demanding role in managing their relatives, thereby often experiencing heavy care burden. Previous literature has [...] Read more.

Family caregivers of people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a severely disabling neurodegenerative disease due to the degeneration of both upper and lower motor neurons, have a very demanding role in managing their relatives, thereby often experiencing heavy care burden. Previous literature has widely highlighted that this situation reduces caregivers’ quality of life and increases their psychological distress and risk of health problems, but there are relatively few studies that focus on psychological interventions for these situations. Family support is more—not less—important during crisis. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, maintaining public safety has required restricting the physical presence of families for hospitalized patients. Caregivers of ALS patients felt increased sense of loneliness and experienced greater difficulties in the access to both hospital and home assistance. In response, health systems rapidly adapted family-centric procedures and tools to circumvent restrictions on physical presence. In this regard, internet-based and telehealth solutions have been adopted to facilitate the routine, predictable, and structured communication, crucial to family-centered care. This narrative review aims at addressing more current matters on support needs and interventions for improving wellbeing of caregivers of ALS patients. In particular, we aimed at highlighting several gaps related to the complex needs of caregivers of ALS patients, to the interventions carried out in order to respond to these needs, and to the changes that COVID-19 pandemic caused from 2020 to nowadays in clinical managing of ALS patients. Finally, we report ongoing experiences of psychological support for family caregivers of ALS patients through telehealth solutions, which have been reinforced in case of needing of physical distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19 and Psychotherapeutic Advances in Mental Health Access, Delivery, and Treatment)

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20 pages, 1049 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Family-Based Whole-Exome Analysis of Specific Language Impairment (SLI) Identifies Rare Variants in BUD13, a Component of the Retention and Splicing (RES) Complex

by Erin M. Andres, Kathleen Kelsey Earnest, Cuncong Zhong, Mabel L. Rice and Muhammad Hashim Raza

Brain Sci. 2022, 12(1), 47; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12010047 - 30 Dec 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2725

Abstract

Specific language impairment (SLI) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD) that displays high heritability estimates. Genetic studies have identified several loci, but the molecular basis of SLI remains unclear. With the aim to better understand the genetic architecture of SLI, we performed whole-exome [...] Read more.

Specific language impairment (SLI) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD) that displays high heritability estimates. Genetic studies have identified several loci, but the molecular basis of SLI remains unclear. With the aim to better understand the genetic architecture of SLI, we performed whole-exome sequencing (WES) in a single family (ID: 489; n = 11). We identified co-segregating rare variants in three new genes: BUD13, APLP2, and NDRG2. To determine the significance of these genes in SLI, we Sanger sequenced all coding regions of each gene in unrelated individuals with SLI (n = 175). We observed 13 additional rare variants in 18 unrelated individuals. Variants in BUD13 reached genome-wide significance (p-value < 0.01) upon comparison with similar variants in the 1000 Genomes Project, providing gene level evidence that BUD13 is involved in SLI. Additionally, five BUD13 variants showed cohesive variant level evidence of likely pathogenicity. Bud13 is a component of the retention and splicing (RES) complex. Additional supportive evidence from studies of an animal model (loss-of-function mutations in BUD13 caused a profound neural phenotype) and individuals with an NDD phenotype (carrying a CNV spanning BUD13), indicates BUD13 could be a target for investigation of the neural basis of language. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Language and Brain: From Genes to Behavior)

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24 pages, 428 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity

by Gesualdo M. Zucco and Richard L. Doty

Brain Sci. 2022, 12(1), 46; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12010046 - 29 Dec 2021

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 6903

Abstract

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS), a condition also known as Chemical Sensitivity (CS), Chemical Intolerance (CI), Idiopathic Environmental Illness (IEI) and Toxicant Induced Loss of Tolerance (TILT), is an acquired multifactorial syndrome characterized by a recurrent set of debilitating symptoms. The symptoms of this [...] Read more.

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS), a condition also known as Chemical Sensitivity (CS), Chemical Intolerance (CI), Idiopathic Environmental Illness (IEI) and Toxicant Induced Loss of Tolerance (TILT), is an acquired multifactorial syndrome characterized by a recurrent set of debilitating symptoms. The symptoms of this controversial disorder are reported to be induced by environmental chemicals at doses far below those usually harmful to most persons. They involve a large spectrum of organ systems and typically disappear when the environmental chemicals are removed. However, no clear link has emerged among self-reported MCS symptoms and widely accepted objective measures of physiological dysfunction, and no clear dose-response relationship between exposure and symptom reactions has been observed. In addition, the underlying etiology and pathogenic processes of the disorder remain unknown and disputed, although biologic and psychologic hypotheses abound. It is currently debated whether MCS should be considered a clinical entity at all. Nevertheless, in the last few decades MCS has received considerable scientific and governmental attention in light of the many persons reporting this illness. In this review, we provide a general overview of the history, definition, demographics, prevalence, and etiologic challenges in defining and understanding MCS. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Human Olfactory Perception)

18 pages, 3104 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Evidence for the Concreteness of Abstract Language: A Meta-Analysis of Neuroimaging Studies

by Nicola Del Maschio, Davide Fedeli, Gioacchino Garofalo and Giovanni Buccino

Brain Sci. 2022, 12(1), 32; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12010032 - 28 Dec 2021

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 2538

Abstract

The neural mechanisms subserving the processing of abstract concepts remain largely debated. Even within the embodiment theoretical framework, most authors suggest that abstract concepts are coded in a linguistic propositional format, although they do not completely deny the role of sensorimotor and emotional [...] Read more.

The neural mechanisms subserving the processing of abstract concepts remain largely debated. Even within the embodiment theoretical framework, most authors suggest that abstract concepts are coded in a linguistic propositional format, although they do not completely deny the role of sensorimotor and emotional experiences in coding it. To our knowledge, only one recent proposal puts forward that the processing of concrete and abstract concepts relies on the same mechanisms, with the only difference being in the complexity of the underlying experiences. In this paper, we performed a meta-analysis using the Activation Likelihood Estimates (ALE) method on 33 functional neuroimaging studies that considered activations related to abstract and concrete concepts. The results suggest that (1) concrete and abstract concepts share the recruitment of the temporo-fronto-parietal circuits normally involved in the interactions with the physical world, (2) processing concrete concepts recruits fronto-parietal areas better than abstract concepts, and (3) abstract concepts recruit Broca’s region more strongly than concrete ones. Based on anatomical and physiological evidence, Broca’s region is not only a linguistic region mainly devoted to speech production, but it is endowed with complex motor representations of different biological effectors. Hence, we propose that the stronger recruitment of this region for abstract concepts is expression of the complex sensorimotor experiences underlying it, rather than evidence of a purely linguistic format of its processing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience)

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16 pages, 1094 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

A New NF-κB Inhibitor, MEDS-23, Reduces the Severity of Adverse Post-Ischemic Stroke Outcomes in Rats

by Elina Rubin, Agnese C. Pippione, Matthew Boyko, Giacomo Einaudi, Stefano Sainas, Massimo Collino, Carlo Cifani, Marco L. Lolli, Naim Abu-Freha, Jacob Kaplanski, Donatella Boschi and Abed N. Azab

Brain Sci. 2022, 12(1), 35; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12010035 - 28 Dec 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 1971

Abstract

Aim: Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) is known to play an important role in the inflammatory process which takes place after ischemic stroke. The major objective of the present study was to examine the effects of MEDS-23, a potent inhibitor of NF-κB, on [...] Read more.

Aim: Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) is known to play an important role in the inflammatory process which takes place after ischemic stroke. The major objective of the present study was to examine the effects of MEDS-23, a potent inhibitor of NF-κB, on clinical outcomes and brain inflammatory markers in post-ischemic stroke rats. Main methods: Initially, a Toxicity Experiment was performed to determine the appropriate dose of MEDS-23 for use in animals, as MEDS-23 was analyzed in vivo for the first time. We used the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model for inducing ischemic stroke in rats. The effects of MEDS-23 (at 10 mg/kg, ip) on post-stroke outcomes (brain inflammation, fever, neurological deficits, mortality, and depression- and anxiety-like behaviours) was tested in several efficacy experiments. Key findings: MEDS-23 was found to be safe and significantly reduced the severity of some adverse post-stroke outcomes such as fever and neurological deficits. Moreover, MEDS-23 significantly decreased prostaglandin E2 levels in the hypothalamus and hippocampus of post-stroke rats, but did not prominently alter the levels of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α. Significance: These results suggest that NF-κB inhibition is a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of ischemic stroke. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Stroke 2021: Recent Advances in Stroke Neuroprotection and Repair)

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12 pages, 466 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The Importance of Type D Personality in the Development of Temporomandibular Disorders (TMDs) and Depression in Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Magdalena Gębska, Bartosz Dalewski, Łukasz Pałka, Łukasz Kołodziej and Ewa Sobolewska

Brain Sci. 2022, 12(1), 28; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12010028 - 27 Dec 2021

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 3527

Abstract

Background: a type D personality is a factor in a person’s susceptibility to general mental stress, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although many studies were conducted on the relationships among stressful situations, an individual’s personality, depression, and the occurrence of various diseases, e.g., [...] Read more.

Background: a type D personality is a factor in a person’s susceptibility to general mental stress, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although many studies were conducted on the relationships among stressful situations, an individual’s personality, depression, and the occurrence of various diseases, e.g., cardiovascular disease or cancer, there are no analogous data on people with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). Aim: the assessment of TMDs and depression symptoms in students with type D personality. Material and Methods: the research was carried out with the participation of 240 physiotherapy students. The study group (G1) consisted of 120 participants with type D personalities, the control group (G2) consisted of the same number of participants, without “stress” personalities. All subjects were assessed for the occurrence of TMD symptoms, as well as for depression and anxiety symptoms, using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), based on the proprietary questionnaire. Results: in students with type D personality symptoms, TMDs occurred significantly more often and in greater number (p = 0.00) than in those without stress personalities. The exception was the symptom of increased muscle tension, which showed no statistical difference (p = 0.22). Among the 240 respondents, depression was found in 128 people (53.3%). In the group of students with type D personalities, depression was significantly more frequent than in the group without type D personalities (p = 0.00). In participants with depression, TMD symptoms were more common, i.e., headaches, neck, and shoulder girdle pain, TMJ acoustic symptoms, increased masticatory muscle tension, teeth clenching, and teeth grinding. There was no significant difference between the incidence of depression and TMJ pain and jaw locking. There was a significant interaction between the occurrence of headaches and acoustic symptoms and the occurrence of depression. For headache and depression interactions, the OR was >1; based on the results, we may assume that a headache depends more on the occurrence of depression rather than it being a symptom of a TMJ disorder in people with type D personalities. Conclusion: type D personality and depression may contribute to the development of TMD symptoms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19 and Psychotherapeutic Advances in Mental Health Access, Delivery, and Treatment)

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17 pages, 2232 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Secondary Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on People with Parkinson’s Disease—Results of a Polish Online Survey

by Karolina Krzysztoń, Beata Mielańczuk-Lubecka, Jakub Stolarski, Anna Poznańska, Katarzyna Kępczyńska, Agata Zdrowowicz, Izabela Domitrz and Jan Kochanowski

Brain Sci. 2022, 12(1), 26; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12010026 - 26 Dec 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2442

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic causes increased mental stress and decreased mobility, which may affect people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). The study aimed to investigate the secondary impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the level of activity, quality of life (QoL) and PD-related symptoms. The [...] Read more.

The COVID-19 pandemic causes increased mental stress and decreased mobility, which may affect people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). The study aimed to investigate the secondary impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the level of activity, quality of life (QoL) and PD-related symptoms. The respondents completed an online survey in Polish in the period from December, 2020 to June, 2021. The questionnaire was completed by 47 participants aged 43 to 90 years (mean 72.1 ± 1.3 years). A total of 94% reported reduced contact with family and friends. Over 90% remained active during the pandemic. However, 55% of people with PD showed subjectively lower level of activity then before the pandemic. Moreover, 36% of the respondents felt afraid to visit a doctor and reported problems with access to medication. Subjective QoL reduction was reported by 80%, and 83% declared worsening of PD symptoms. The post pandemic deterioration of motor symptoms in people with PD did not affect their QoL. However, the deterioration of contacts and feelings of isolation had a significant impact on the decline in quality of life (p = 0.022 and p = 0.009, respectively) and the presence of anxiety (p = 0.035 and p = 0.007, respectively). These results may indicate than greater importance of social and mental factors than fitness and health-related factors in the QoL self-assessment of the people with PD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19, Parkinson’s Disease and Other Neurodegenerative Disorders)

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