Journal Description
NeuroSci
NeuroSci
is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal on neurology and neuroscience published quarterly online by MDPI.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within ESCI (Web of Science), PMC, EBSCO, and other databases.
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 22.8 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 5.3 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the first half of 2024).
- Recognition of Reviewers: APC discount vouchers, optional signed peer review and reviewer names are published annually in the journal.
- Journal Clusters-Neurosciences: Brain Sciences, Neurology International, NeuroSci, Clinical and Translational Neuroscience, Neuroglia, Psychiatry International, Clocks & Sleep and Journal of Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease.
Impact Factor:
1.6 (2023);
5-Year Impact Factor:
1.5 (2023)
Latest Articles
Ethanolamine and Vinyl–Ether Moieties in Brain Phospholipids Modulate Behavior in Rats
NeuroSci 2024, 5(4), 509-522; https://doi.org/10.3390/neurosci5040037 (registering DOI) - 4 Nov 2024
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Plasmalogens are brain-enriched phospholipids with a vinyl–ether bond at the sn-1 position between the glycerol backbone and the alkyl chain. Previous studies have suggested that plasmalogens modulate locomotor activity, anxiety-like behavior, and cognitive functions in rodents; however, the specific moieties contributing to
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Plasmalogens are brain-enriched phospholipids with a vinyl–ether bond at the sn-1 position between the glycerol backbone and the alkyl chain. Previous studies have suggested that plasmalogens modulate locomotor activity, anxiety-like behavior, and cognitive functions in rodents; however, the specific moieties contributing to behavioral regulation are unknown. In this study, we examined the behavioral modulation induced by specific phospholipid moieties. To confirm the permeability of phospholipids in injected liposomes, we measured the fluorescence intensity following intravenous injection of liposomes containing ATTO 740-labeled dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine. Then, we compared the behavioral effects following injection of liposomes composed of egg phosphatidylcholine (PC) and 1-stearoyl-2-docosahexaenoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (PE 18:0/22:6), PC 18:0/22:6, 1-(1Z-octadecenyl)-2-docosahexaenoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (PE P-18:0/22:6), or PC P-18:0/22:6, into the tail vein of male rats. The time spent in the central region of the open field was significantly reduced after injection of PE 18:0/22:6, harboring an ester bond at sn-1 compared to controls. Furthermore, the discrimination ratio in the novel object recognition test was significantly higher in PC 18:0/22:6 compared to PE 18:0/22:6, suggesting that the substitution of ethanolamine with choline can enhance recognition memory. We demonstrate that the structures of the sn-1 bond and the hydrophilic moiety in the phospholipids can modulate exploratory behaviors and recognition memory in rodents.
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Open AccessCommunication
Can Phonemic Verbal Fluency Be Used to Predict Alzheimer’s Disease?
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Sara García-González
NeuroSci 2024, 5(4), 501-508; https://doi.org/10.3390/neurosci5040036 (registering DOI) - 4 Nov 2024
Abstract
Background: Among the cognitive markers, the deterioration of semantic and phonemic verbal fluency seems to be an early indicator of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The aims of this study are (1) to evaluate both types of verbal fluency in the early stages of AD
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Background: Among the cognitive markers, the deterioration of semantic and phonemic verbal fluency seems to be an early indicator of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The aims of this study are (1) to evaluate both types of verbal fluency in the early stages of AD in order to know which of them deteriorates earlier and (2) to investigate if verbal fluency tasks can help to differentiate between patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) who will progress to AD two years later (progress) and those who will not (non-progress). Method: A verbal fluency task was administered to 25 patients with MCI and their respective control subjects. All patients underwent a neuropsychological evaluation twice in order for us to follow up on their global cognitive status. The second time, eight of them converted to AD. Results: On the one hand, phonemic verbal fluency deteriorates earlier than semantic verbal fluency in MCI patients; on the other hand, although we found statistically significant differences between patients with MCI and AD in both types of fluency tasks, none were found when comparing the performance of progress and non-progress. Conclusions: These results point to a greater impairment in phonemic verbal fluency in MCI patients and its potential capacity to predict conversion to AD.
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Open AccessArticle
Pre- and Post-Operative Cognitive Assessment in Patients Undergoing Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement: Insights from the PEARL Project
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Valentina Fiolo, Enrico Giuseppe Bertoldo, Silvana Pagliuca, Sara Boveri, Sara Pugliese, Martina Anguissola, Francesca Gelpi, Beatrice Cairo, Vlasta Bari, Alberto Porta and Edward Callus
NeuroSci 2024, 5(4), 485-500; https://doi.org/10.3390/neurosci5040035 - 28 Oct 2024
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Background: Aortic valve stenosis (AVS) is a common valvular heart disease affecting millions of people worldwide. It leads to significant neurocognitive and neuropsychological impairments, impacting patients’ quality of life. Objective: The objective of this article is to identify and discuss the potential neurocognitive
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Background: Aortic valve stenosis (AVS) is a common valvular heart disease affecting millions of people worldwide. It leads to significant neurocognitive and neuropsychological impairments, impacting patients’ quality of life. Objective: The objective of this article is to identify and discuss the potential neurocognitive effects on patients with aortic stenosis before and after undergoing surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). Method: Our study involved the assessment of 64 patients undergoing aortic valve replacement (SAVR) using a neurocognitive evaluation comprising a battery of 11 different cognitive tests. These tests were designed to analyze the patients’ overall cognitive functioning, executive abilities, short- and long-term memory, and attentional performance. The tests were administered to patients before the aortic valve surgery (T0) and after the surgery (T1). From a statistical perspective, numerical variables are presented as means (±standard deviation) and medians (IQR), while categorical variables are presented as counts and percentages. Normality was assessed using the Shapiro–Wilk test. T0 and T1 scores were compared with the Wilcoxon signed rank test, with p < 0.05 considered significant. Analyses were performed using SAS version 9.4. Results: Conducted as part of a fully financed Italian Ministry of Health project (RF-2016-02361069), the study found that most patients showed normal cognitive functioning at baseline. Cognitive assessments showed that executive functions, attention, language, and semantic knowledge were within the normal range for the majority of participants. After SAVR, cognitive outcomes remained stable or improved, particularly in executive functions and language. Notably, verbal episodic memory demonstrated significant improvement, with the percentage of patients scoring within the normal range on the BSRT increasing from 73.4% at T0 to 92.2% at T1 (p < 0.0001). However, visuospatial and visuoconstructive abilities showed stability or slight decline, while attentional skills remained relatively stable. The Clock Drawing Test indicated the maintenance of cognitive functions. Conclusions: The findings of our study indicate a global stability in cognitive status among patients after undergoing SAVR, with significant improvement noted in verbal episodic memory. While other cognitive domains did not demonstrate statistically significant changes, these insights are valuable for understanding the cognitive effects of SAVR and can guide future research and clinical practice in selecting the most effective surgical and rehabilitative options for patients. Monitoring cognitive outcomes in patients undergoing aortic valve replacement surgery remains crucial.
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Open AccessReview
Exploring Neuroprotection against Radiation-Induced Brain Injury: A Review of Key Compounds
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Lucas González-Johnson, Ariel Fariña, Gonzalo Farías, Gustavo Zomosa, Víctor Pinilla-González and Catalina Rojas-Solé
NeuroSci 2024, 5(4), 462-484; https://doi.org/10.3390/neurosci5040034 - 12 Oct 2024
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Brain radiation is a crucial tool in neuro-oncology for enhancing local tumor control, but it can lead to mild-to-profound and progressive impairments in cognitive function. Radiation-induced brain injury is a significant adverse effect of radiotherapy for cranioencephalic tumors, primarily caused by indirect cellular
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Brain radiation is a crucial tool in neuro-oncology for enhancing local tumor control, but it can lead to mild-to-profound and progressive impairments in cognitive function. Radiation-induced brain injury is a significant adverse effect of radiotherapy for cranioencephalic tumors, primarily caused by indirect cellular damage through the formation of free radicals. This results in late neurotoxicity manifesting as cognitive impairment due to free radical production. The aim of this review is to highlight the role of different substances, such as drugs used in the clinical setting and antioxidants such as ascorbate, in reducing the neurotoxicity associated with radiation-induced brain injury. Currently, there is mainly preclinical and clinical evidence supporting the benefit of these interventions, representing a cost-effective and straightforward neuroprotective strategy.
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Open AccessArticle
Resting-State Functional Connectivity Predicts Attention Problems in Children: Evidence from the ABCD Study
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Kelly A. Duffy and Nathaniel E. Helwig
NeuroSci 2024, 5(4), 445-461; https://doi.org/10.3390/neurosci5040033 - 12 Oct 2024
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Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder, and numerous functional and structural differences have been identified in the brains of individuals with ADHD compared to controls. This study uses data from the baseline sample of the large, epidemiologically informed Adolescent Brain
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Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder, and numerous functional and structural differences have been identified in the brains of individuals with ADHD compared to controls. This study uses data from the baseline sample of the large, epidemiologically informed Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study of children aged 9–10 years old (N = 7979). Cross-validated Poisson elastic net regression models were used to predict a dimensional measure of ADHD symptomatology from within- and between-network resting-state correlations and several known risk factors, such as biological sex, socioeconomic status, and parental history of problematic alcohol and drug use. We found parental history of drug use and biological sex to be the most important predictors of attention problems. The connection between the default mode network and the dorsal attention network was the only brain network identified as important for predicting attention problems. Specifically, we found that reduced magnitudes of the anticorrelation between the default mode and dorsal attention networks relate to increased attention problems in children. Our findings complement and extend recent studies that have connected individual differences in structural and task-based fMRI to ADHD symptomatology and individual differences in resting-state fMRI to ADHD diagnoses.
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Open AccessReview
Trehalose: Neuroprotective Effects and Mechanisms—An Updated Review
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Borislav Sevriev, Simeonka Dimitrova, Gabriela Kehayova and Stela Dragomanova
NeuroSci 2024, 5(4), 429-444; https://doi.org/10.3390/neurosci5040032 - 12 Oct 2024
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Trehalose is a naturally occurring disaccharide that has recently gained significant attention for its neuroprotective properties in various models of neurodegeneration. This review provides an overview of available experimental data on the beneficial properties of trehalose for central nervous system pathological conditions. Trehalose’s
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Trehalose is a naturally occurring disaccharide that has recently gained significant attention for its neuroprotective properties in various models of neurodegeneration. This review provides an overview of available experimental data on the beneficial properties of trehalose for central nervous system pathological conditions. Trehalose’s impact on neuronal cell survival and function was also examined. As a result, we identified that trehalose’s neuroprotection includes autophagy modulation as well as its capability to stabilize proteins and inhibit the formation of misfolded ones. Moreover, trehalose mitigates oxidative stress-induced neuronal damage by stabilizing cellular membranes and modulating mitochondrial function. Furthermore, trehalose attenuates excitotoxicity-induced neuroinflammation by suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokine release and inhibiting inflammasome activation. A possible connection of trehalose with the gut–brain axis was also examined. These findings highlight the potential therapeutic effects of trehalose in neurodegenerative diseases. According to the conclusions drawn from this study, trehalose is a promising neuroprotective agent as a result of its distinct mechanism of action, which makes this compound a candidate for further research and the development of therapeutic strategies to combat neuronal damage and promote neuroprotection in various neurological diseases.
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Open AccessArticle
Wearable EEG-Based Brain–Computer Interface for Stress Monitoring
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Brian Premchand, Liyuan Liang, Kok Soon Phua, Zhuo Zhang, Chuanchu Wang, Ling Guo, Jennifer Ang, Juliana Koh, Xueyi Yong and Kai Keng Ang
NeuroSci 2024, 5(4), 407-428; https://doi.org/10.3390/neurosci5040031 - 8 Oct 2024
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Detecting stress is important for improving human health and potential, because moderate levels of stress may motivate people towards better performance at cognitive tasks, while chronic stress exposure causes impaired performance and health risks. We propose a Brain–Computer Interface (BCI) system to detect
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Detecting stress is important for improving human health and potential, because moderate levels of stress may motivate people towards better performance at cognitive tasks, while chronic stress exposure causes impaired performance and health risks. We propose a Brain–Computer Interface (BCI) system to detect stress in the context of high-pressure work environments. The BCI system includes an electroencephalogram (EEG) headband with dry electrodes and an electrocardiogram (ECG) chest belt. We collected EEG and ECG data from 40 participants during two stressful cognitive tasks: the Cognitive Vigilance Task (CVT), and the Multi-Modal Integration Task (MMIT) we designed. We also recorded self-reported stress levels using the Dundee Stress State Questionnaire (DSSQ). The DSSQ results indicated that performing the MMIT led to significant increases in stress, while performing the CVT did not. Subsequently, we trained two different models to classify stress from non-stress states, one using EEG features, and the other using heart rate variability (HRV) features extracted from the ECG. Our EEG-based model achieved an overall accuracy of 81.0% for MMIT and 77.2% for CVT. However, our HRV-based model only achieved 62.1% accuracy for CVT and 56.0% for MMIT. We conclude that EEG is an effective predictor of stress in the context of stressful cognitive tasks. Our proposed BCI system shows promise in evaluating mental stress in high-pressure work environments, particularly when utilizing an EEG-based BCI.
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Open AccessArticle
Discontinuation of Cerebro-Spinal Fluid (CSF) Drainage in Acute Hydrocephalus: A Prospective Cohort Study and Exploratory Data Analysis
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Anand S. Pandit, Joanna Palasz, Lauren Harris, Parashkev Nachev and Ahmed K. Toma
NeuroSci 2024, 5(4), 396-406; https://doi.org/10.3390/neurosci5040030 - 8 Oct 2024
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Background: The optimal management of CSF drainage in acute hydrocephalus, in particular when to initiate drain weaning, remains uncertain. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of timing and method of drain weaning on patient outcomes. Methods: This prospective observational study in a
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Background: The optimal management of CSF drainage in acute hydrocephalus, in particular when to initiate drain weaning, remains uncertain. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of timing and method of drain weaning on patient outcomes. Methods: This prospective observational study in a large-volume tertiary neuroscience centre included all adult patients who required temporary CSF drainage for acute hydrocephalus of any cause between January 2020 and March 2021. Contemporaneous data collection was conducted, including patient demographics, time to clamp, weaning methods, and clinical outcomes of hospital length of stay (LOS), rate of shunt insertion, drain-related infections, and mechanical complications. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were performed to identify the independent associations of timing-related factors. Results: A total of 69 patients were included (mean age = 59.4 years). A total of 59% had CSF diversion for aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage, and 88% had EVD drainage. The length of drainage prior to the first clamp was significantly associated with the overall length of drainage (p < 0.0001), LOS (p = 0.004), and time to shunt (p = 0.02) following multivariate adjustment. For each day delayed in initiating the drain challenge, the overall LOS increased by an additional 1.25 days. There was no association between the weaning method and LOS, the rate of shunting, or CNS infection; however, those in the gradually weaned group had more mechanical complications, such as drain blockage or CSF leakage, than those rapidly weaned (p = 0.03) after adjustment. Discussion: This study recommends challenging the drain early via a rapid wean to reduce LOS, mechanical complications, and possibly infections. The consequences of temporary CSF diversion have significant implications at financial and patient levels, but the quality of evidence regarding weaning remains poor. Further randomised multicentre studies and national databases of practice are required to allow definitive conclusions to be drawn.
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Open AccessArticle
Normative Data for the D-KEFS Color-Word Interference and Trail Making Tests Adapted in Greek Adult Population 20–49 Years Old
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Marianna Tsatali, Fotini Surdu, Andromachi Konstantinou and Despina Moraitou
NeuroSci 2024, 5(4), 378-395; https://doi.org/10.3390/neurosci5040029 - 4 Oct 2024
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Background: This study was designed to adapt the Delis–Kaplan Executive System (D-KEFS) version of the Color-Word Interference (CWIT) and Trail Making Tests (TMTs) for the Greek adult population from 20 to 49 years old, since it is of research as well as clinical
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Background: This study was designed to adapt the Delis–Kaplan Executive System (D-KEFS) version of the Color-Word Interference (CWIT) and Trail Making Tests (TMTs) for the Greek adult population from 20 to 49 years old, since it is of research as well as clinical importance to detect executive functions’ impairment in young adults with neurological or/and psychiatric conditions. Aims: Norms for the Greek adult population have been calculated to be available for neuropsychologists and health professionals who work in relevant settings. Methods: The study sample consisted of 101 healthy adults (41% male and 60% female) aged 20 to 49 years (M = 32.16, SD = 11.57) with education from 12 to 19 years of schooling (M = 14.51, SD = 0.89). A Pearson correlation test as well as a chi square test were conducted to examine potential associations between gender, age, education, and participants’ performance. Afterwards, we calculated normative data using raw scores and transformed them into percentile scores. Finally, Greek norms were compared to the original raw scores, which were transformed into scaled scores by Delis et al. (2001). Results: The findings showed that age was the only variable which affected CWIT, whereas level of education as well as age were predictive factors for most TMT conditions, except for the visual scanning test (Condition 1). Gender did not affect both tests. Finally, D-KEFS norms for CWIT and TMT are available for the Greek adult population to help clinicians detect executive functions’ deficits and therefore adjust tailored therapeutic strategies. Additionally, it is of great importance to use these tests for research purposes. Conclusion: Given that executive functions are assumed as high-level skills, which are highly related to everyday functionality, adapted tests contribute not only to assess the progression of any existing neurological as well as psychiatric disorders, but they can also be used to evaluate patients’ ability to live independently, as well as their access to work.
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Open AccessViewpoint
The Intersection of Ultra-Processed Foods, Neuropsychiatric Disorders, and Neurolaw: Implications for Criminal Justice
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Susan L. Prescott, Kathleen F. Holton, Christopher A. Lowry, Jeffrey J. Nicholson and Alan C. Logan
NeuroSci 2024, 5(3), 354-377; https://doi.org/10.3390/neurosci5030028 - 23 Sep 2024
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Over the last decade there has been increasing interest in the links between the consumption of ultra-processed foods and various neuropsychiatric disorders, aggression, and antisocial behavior. Neurolaw is an interdisciplinary field that seeks to translate the rapid and voluminous advances in brain science
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Over the last decade there has been increasing interest in the links between the consumption of ultra-processed foods and various neuropsychiatric disorders, aggression, and antisocial behavior. Neurolaw is an interdisciplinary field that seeks to translate the rapid and voluminous advances in brain science into legal decisions and policy. An enhanced understanding of biophysiological mechanisms by which ultra-processed foods influence brain and behavior allows for a historical reexamination of one of forensic neuropsychiatry’s most famous cases—The People v. White and its associated ‘Twinkie Defense’. Here in this Viewpoint article, we pair original court transcripts with emergent research in neurolaw, including nutritional neuroscience, microbiome sciences (legalome), pre-clinical mechanistic research, and clinical intervention trials. Advances in neuroscience, and related fields such as the microbiome, are challenging basic assumptions in the criminal justice system, including notions of universal free will. Recent dismissals of criminal charges related to auto-brewery syndrome demonstrate that courts are open to advances at the intersection of neuromicrobiology and nutritional neuroscience, including those that relate to criminal intent and diminished capacity. As such, it is our contention that experts in the neurosciences will play an increasing role in shaping research that underpins 21st-century courtroom discourse, policy, and decision-making.
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Open AccessArticle
Sensory Processing Challenges in Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders and Genetic Conditions: An Observational Study
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Ekaine Rodríguez-Armendariz, María Vela-Romero and Adrián Galiana
NeuroSci 2024, 5(3), 339-353; https://doi.org/10.3390/neurosci5030027 - 12 Sep 2024
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Sensory processing challenges are crucial yet often neglected aspects in the care of children with neurodevelopmental disorders and genetic conditions. They represent a key area of interest in neuroscience, as they significantly impact children’s daily functioning and quality of life. This observational study
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Sensory processing challenges are crucial yet often neglected aspects in the care of children with neurodevelopmental disorders and genetic conditions. They represent a key area of interest in neuroscience, as they significantly impact children’s daily functioning and quality of life. This observational study examines these challenges in a group of 614 children, aged 3 to 14 years and 11 months, divided into three groups: 183 with neurodevelopmental disorders (autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, developmental delays, and learning disorders), 89 with genetic conditions (22q11.2 deletion syndrome, Williams syndrome, and pseudohypoparathyroidism), and 342 controls. Sensory processing was assessed using Sensory Profile 2 (SP2). Results indicated that children with neurodevelopmental disorders and genetic conditions exhibited significant sensory processing difficulties compared to controls. SP2 identified distinct sensory challenges across different sensory systems, varying by diagnosis. Notably, genetic conditions appeared to have a more generalised impact across multiple sensory systems, while neurodevelopmental disorders tended to affect specific systems more narrowly. These findings highlight the importance of early identification and tailored evidence-based interventions to address these specific sensory processing issues. Further research should explore the long-term impact of these interventions in these different populations and their integration into broader therapeutic programmes.
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Open AccessArticle
Preliminary Evidence That Design Fluency Is Related to Dual-Task Treadmill Gait Variability in Healthy Adults
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Christopher I. Higginson, Morgan K. Bifano, Kelly M. Seymour, Rachel L. Orr, Kurt M. DeGoede and Jill S. Higginson
NeuroSci 2024, 5(3), 328-338; https://doi.org/10.3390/neurosci5030026 - 12 Sep 2024
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Evidence supporting a link between gait and cognition is accumulating. However, the relation between executive functioning and spatiotemporal gait parameters has received little attention. This is surprising since these gait variables are related to falls. The goal of this preliminary study was to
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Evidence supporting a link between gait and cognition is accumulating. However, the relation between executive functioning and spatiotemporal gait parameters has received little attention. This is surprising since these gait variables are related to falls. The goal of this preliminary study was to determine whether performance on measures of inhibition, reasoning, and fluency is related to variability in stride length and step width during dual-task treadmill walking in a sample of healthy adults. Nineteen healthy adults averaging 40 years of age were evaluated. Results indicated that processing speed was reduced, t(18) = 6.31, p = 0.0001, step width increased, t(18) = −8.00, p = 0.0001, and stride length decreased, t(18) = 3.06, p = 0.007, while dual tasking, but variability in gait parameters did not significantly change, consistent with a gait/posture-first approach. As hypothesized, better performance on a visual design fluency task which assesses cognitive flexibility was associated with less dual-task stride length variability, rs(17) = −0.43, p = 0.034, and step width variability, r = −0.56, p = 0.006. The results extend previous findings with older adults walking over ground and additionally suggest that cognitive flexibility may be important for gait maintenance while dual tasking.
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Open AccessArticle
Prevalence, Symptom Profiles, and Correlates of Mixed Anxiety–Depression in Male and Female Autistic Youth
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Vicki Bitsika, Christopher F. Sharpley, Kirstan A. Vessey and Ian D. Evans
NeuroSci 2024, 5(3), 315-327; https://doi.org/10.3390/neurosci5030025 - 2 Sep 2024
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Relatively little attention has been given to mixed anxiety and depression in autistic youth, particularly how this differs between males and females. This study investigated sex-based differences in the prevalence and correlates of mixed anxiety and depression in a sample of 51 autistic
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Relatively little attention has been given to mixed anxiety and depression in autistic youth, particularly how this differs between males and females. This study investigated sex-based differences in the prevalence and correlates of mixed anxiety and depression in a sample of 51 autistic males (M age = 10.16 yr, SD = 2.81 yr, and range = 6 yr to 17 yr) and 51 autistic females (M age = − 10.07 yr, SD = 2.76 yr, and range = 6 yr to 17 yr), matched for age, IQ, and autism severity. Self-reports on generalised anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder, morning salivary cortisol, ADOS-2 scores, and WASI-II full-scale scores were collected from these autistic youth, and data on the ASD-related symptoms of these youth were collected from their parents. The data were analysed for total anxiety–depression score levels, for the underlying components of this scale, and for the individual items used in the scale. The results indicate no significant sex differences for the prevalence of mixed anxiety and depression total scores or the underlying components of anxiety and depression or for the individual items of the mixed anxiety–depression scale. There were sex differences in the significant correlates of mixed anxiety and depression: morning cortisol and ASD-related difficulties in social interaction for females, and ASD-related behaviour for males. Males’ feelings of being restless or edgy were correlated with their social interaction and repetitive and restricted behaviour. Females’ difficulties in social interaction were correlated with their concerns about their abilities and their sleeping problems. Females’ sleeping problems, their tendency to talk about dying, and feeling worthless, were correlated with their morning cortisol. These findings suggest that, while mixed anxiety and depression is experienced similarly by autistic males and females at the global, component, and individual item levels, specific aspects of the symptomatology of mixed anxiety and depression are differently associated with aspects of their ASD-related symptomatology and their levels of chronic physiological stress for males and females.
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Open AccessArticle
Therapeutic Effect of Padina arborescens Extract on a Cell System Model for Parkinson’s Disease
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Dong Hwan Ho, Hyejung Kim, Daleum Nam, Mi Kyoung Seo, Sung Woo Park, Dong-Kyu Kim and Ilhong Son
NeuroSci 2024, 5(3), 301-314; https://doi.org/10.3390/neurosci5030024 - 30 Aug 2024
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Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) and α-synuclein are involved in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease. The activity of LRRK2 in microglial cells is associated with neuroinflammation, and LRRK2 inhibitors are crucial for alleviating this neuroinflammatory response. α-synuclein contributes to oxidative stress in the
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Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) and α-synuclein are involved in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease. The activity of LRRK2 in microglial cells is associated with neuroinflammation, and LRRK2 inhibitors are crucial for alleviating this neuroinflammatory response. α-synuclein contributes to oxidative stress in the dopaminergic neuron and neuroinflammation through Toll-like receptors in microglia. In this study, we investigated the effect of the marine alga Padina arborescens on neuroinflammation by examining LRRK2 activation and the aggregation of α-synuclein. P. arborescens extract inhibits LRRK2 activity in vitro and decreases lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced LRRK2 upregulation in BV2, a mouse microglial cell line. Treatment with P. arborescens extract decreased tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) gene expression by LPS through LRRK2 inhibition in BV2. It also attenuated TNF-α gene expression, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and the release of TNF-α and cellular nitric oxide in rat primary microglia. Furthermore, P. arborescens extract prevented rotenone (RTN)-induced oxidative stress in primary rat astrocytes and inhibited α-synuclein fibrilization in an in vitro assay using recombinant α-synuclein and in the differentiated human dopaminergic neuronal cell line SH-SY5Y (dSH). The extract increased lysosomal activity in dSH cells. In addition, P. arborescens extract slightly prolonged the lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans, which was reduced by RTN treatment.
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Open AccessArticle
Workflow and Short-Term Functional Outcomes in Simultaneous Acute Code Stroke Activation and Stroke Reperfusion Therapy
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Robert Joseph Sarmiento, Amanda Wagner, Asif Sheriff, Colleen Taralson, Nadine Moniz, Jason Opsahl, Thomas Jeerakathil, Brian Buck, William Sevcik, Ashfaq Shuaib and Mahesh Kate
NeuroSci 2024, 5(3), 291-300; https://doi.org/10.3390/neurosci5030023 - 22 Aug 2024
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The burden of simultaneous acute code stroke activation (ACSA) is not known. We aim to assess the effect of simultaneous ACSA on workflow metrics and home time at 90 days in patients undergoing reperfusion therapies in the emergency department. Simultaneous ACSA was defined
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The burden of simultaneous acute code stroke activation (ACSA) is not known. We aim to assess the effect of simultaneous ACSA on workflow metrics and home time at 90 days in patients undergoing reperfusion therapies in the emergency department. Simultaneous ACSA was defined as code activation within 60 min of the arrival of any patient receiving intravenous thrombolysis, within 150 min of the arrival of any patient receiving endovascular thrombectomy, within 45 min of the arrival of any patient receiving no reperfusion therapies (based on mean local door-to-needle and door-to-puncture times). Simultaneous ACSA was further graded as 1, 2 and 3. We assessed workflow metrics as door-to-CT (DTC) time, in minutes, and functional outcome as home time at 90 days. A total of 2605 patients were assessed as ACSA at a mean ± SD activations of 130.8 ± 17.1/month and 859 (33%) were simultaneous. Among all ACSA, 545 (20.9%) underwent acute reperfusion therapy with a mean age of 70.6 ± 14.2 years, 45.9% (n = 254) were female with a median (IQR) NIHSS of 13 (8–18). A total of 220 (40.4%) patients underwent simultaneous treatments. The median DTC time, in minutes, was prolonged in grade 3 simultaneous ACSA (18 (13, 28)) compared to non-simultaneous ACSA (15 (11, 21) β = 0.23, p < 0.0001). There was no difference in the median home time at 90 days between the simultaneous (58, 0–84.5 days) and non-simultaneous (54, 0–85 days) patients. Simultaneous ACSA is frequent in patients receiving acute reperfusion therapies. An optimal workflow in high-volume centers may help mitigate the clinical and system burden associated with simultaneity.
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Open AccessArticle
Salivary Transcriptome and Mitochondrial Analysis of Autism Spectrum Disorder Children Compared to Healthy Controls
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Mark Cannon, Ryan Toma, Sri Ganeshan, Emmery de Jesus Alvarez Varela, Momchilo Vuyisich and Guruduth Banavar
NeuroSci 2024, 5(3), 276-290; https://doi.org/10.3390/neurosci5030022 - 6 Aug 2024
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Autism rates have been reported to be increasing rapidly in industrialized societies. The pathology most often combines neurological symptoms associated with language and social impairments with gastrointestinal symptoms. This study aimed to measure differences in oral metatranscriptome and mitochondrial health between ASD children
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Autism rates have been reported to be increasing rapidly in industrialized societies. The pathology most often combines neurological symptoms associated with language and social impairments with gastrointestinal symptoms. This study aimed to measure differences in oral metatranscriptome and mitochondrial health between ASD children and neurotypical USA and Colombia (“Blue Zone”) children. In addition, this study aimed to determine whether using prebiotics and probiotics would change the oral microbiome and mitochondrial health of ASD children. Buccal swabs and saliva samples were obtained from 30 autistic individuals (USA) at three intervals: prior to intervention, post-prebiotic, and post-probiotic. In addition, a subject component who were neurotypical, which included individuals from the USA (30) and Colombia (30), had buccal swabbing and salivary sampling performed for metatranscriptomic and mitochondrial comparison. Significant differences were observed in the temporal data, demonstrating shifts that interventions with probiotics and polyols may have precipitated. Particular bacterial strains were significantly more prevalent in the autism group, including a strain that reduced neurotransmitter levels via enzymatic degradation. This supports the hypothesis that the microbiome may influence the occurrence and degree of autism. Verbal skills increased in six of the 30 ASD subjects following xylitol and three more after probiotic supplementation, according to both parental reports and the subjects’ healthcare providers.
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Open AccessTechnical Note
A Practical Guide to Manual and Semi-Automated Neurosurgical Brain Lesion Segmentation
by
Raunak Jain, Faith Lee, Nianhe Luo, Harpreet Hyare and Anand S. Pandit
NeuroSci 2024, 5(3), 265-275; https://doi.org/10.3390/neurosci5030021 - 2 Aug 2024
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The purpose of the article is to provide a practical guide for manual and semi-automated image segmentation of common neurosurgical cranial lesions, namely meningioma, glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH), for neurosurgical trainees and researchers. Materials and Methods: The medical images used
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The purpose of the article is to provide a practical guide for manual and semi-automated image segmentation of common neurosurgical cranial lesions, namely meningioma, glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH), for neurosurgical trainees and researchers. Materials and Methods: The medical images used were sourced from the Medical Image Computing and Computer Assisted Interventions Society (MICCAI) Multimodal Brain Tumour Segmentation Challenge (BRATS) image database and from the local Picture Archival and Communication System (PACS) record with consent. Image pre-processing was carried out using MRIcron software (v1.0.20190902). ITK-SNAP (v3.8.0) was used in this guideline due to its availability and powerful built-in segmentation tools, although others (Seg3D, Freesurfer and 3D Slicer) are available. Quality control was achieved by employing expert segmenters to review. Results: A pipeline was developed to demonstrate the pre-processing and manual and semi-automated segmentation of patient images for each cranial lesion, accompanied by image guidance and video recordings. Three sample segmentations were generated to illustrate potential challenges. Advice and solutions were provided within both text and video. Conclusions: Semi-automated segmentation methods enhance efficiency, increase reproducibility, and are suitable to be incorporated into future clinical practise. However, manual segmentation remains a highly effective technique in specific circumstances and provides initial training sets for the development of more advanced semi- and fully automated segmentation algorithms.
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Open AccessReview
Will the Artificial Intelligence Touch Substitute for the Human Touch?
by
Laura Clara Grandi and Stefania Bruni
NeuroSci 2024, 5(3), 254-264; https://doi.org/10.3390/neurosci5030020 - 24 Jul 2024
Cited by 1
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Nowadays, artificial intelligence is used in many fields to diagnose and treat different diseases. Robots are also useful tools that substitute for human work. Despite robots being used also for touch therapy, can they substitute for the human touch? Human touch has a
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Nowadays, artificial intelligence is used in many fields to diagnose and treat different diseases. Robots are also useful tools that substitute for human work. Despite robots being used also for touch therapy, can they substitute for the human touch? Human touch has a strong social component, and it is necessary for the correct development of newborns and the treatment of pathological situations. To substitute human touch, it is necessary to integrate robots with artificial intelligence as well as with sensors that mimic human skin. Today, the question remains without answer: Can human touch be substituted with AI in its social and affiliative components?
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Open AccessArticle
Unveiling the Immediate Impact of Prechtl’s General Movement Assessment Training on Inter-Rater Reliability and Cerebral Palsy Prediction
by
Namarta Kapil, Bittu Majmudar-Sheth, Alexa Celeste Escapita and Tara Johnson
NeuroSci 2024, 5(3), 244-253; https://doi.org/10.3390/neurosci5030019 - 23 Jul 2024
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Prechtl’s General Movement Assessment (GMA) is a qualitative video assessment that is an early predictor of cerebral palsy (CP) in infants. GMA raters undergo two levels of training: basic and advanced. Using a retrospective study design, we evaluated the impact of the GMA
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Prechtl’s General Movement Assessment (GMA) is a qualitative video assessment that is an early predictor of cerebral palsy (CP) in infants. GMA raters undergo two levels of training: basic and advanced. Using a retrospective study design, we evaluated the impact of the GMA training level on three key measures: inter-rater reliability (IRR), predictability for a later CP diagnosis, and generalizability for both medically trained and non-medically trained raters. As part of a larger study on former level-IV neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) infants, participants had a GMA video at 3–4 months of corrected age with parental consent. Four GMA raters with basic training interpreted the videos. Subsequently, two raters underwent advanced training and reinterpreted the videos. We evaluated IRR with Gwet’s AC1 coefficient, CP prediction with logistic regression, and generalizability with Gwet’s Linearization method and McNemar’s test. Following basic GMA training, all four raters had moderate to almost perfect agreement. The CP predictability of the raters’ individual GMA scores ranged from 73% to 81%. Advanced GMA training significantly improved IRR and enhanced CP predictability. GMA rater proficiency was similar regardless of medical training. Advanced GMA training improved readers’ capabilities to correctly identify abnormal movement patterns and aid in early CP diagnosis.
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Open AccessReview
The Endogenous Pain Modulatory System as a Healing Mechanism: A Proposal on How to Measure and Modulate It
by
Paulo S. de Melo, Kevin Pacheco-Barrios, Anna Marduy, Karen Vasquez-Avila, Marcel Simis, Marta Imamura, Alejandra Cardenas-Rojas, Alba Navarro-Flores, Linamara Batistella and Felipe Fregni
NeuroSci 2024, 5(3), 230-243; https://doi.org/10.3390/neurosci5030018 - 7 Jul 2024
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Background: Chronic pain is highly burdening and multifactorial in etiology. The endogenous-pain-healing system restores body tissue to a non-painful state after an injury leading to pain, and its disruption could represent a relevant mechanism, especially for nursing interventions. Aim: To review the literature
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Background: Chronic pain is highly burdening and multifactorial in etiology. The endogenous-pain-healing system restores body tissue to a non-painful state after an injury leading to pain, and its disruption could represent a relevant mechanism, especially for nursing interventions. Aim: To review the literature and summarize the results that support this hypothesis. Methods: We hypothesized that the mechanism behind this system mainly depends on the endogenous pain modulatory system (EPMS), which is responsible for inhibiting pain after tissue healing is complete and facilitating it when tissue damage is still present. Different biomarkers can quantify EPMS functioning. We reviewed the literature and included relevant information regarding this hypothesis. Results: First, conditioned pain modulation (CPM) measures pain inhibition and is a possible predictor for pain chronification. Second, motor cortex excitability measures the cortical control of the EPMS, which can be assessed through transcranial magnetic stimulation (using intracortical inhibition) or electroencephalography. Modifiable factors disrupt its functioning, such as sleep deprivation, medication overuse, and mental health status, but could be protective, such as exercise, certain medications, mind–body techniques, and non-invasive neuromodulation therapies. The acquisition of neurophysiological knowledge of how the chronicity of pain occurs and the EPMS involvement in this process may allow for better management of these patients. Conclusions: We raised the hypothesis that the impairment of the EPMS (altered cortical excitability and descendent pain modulation pathways) seems to be related to the disruption of the pain healing process and its chronicity. Further longitudinal studies evaluating the relationship between these biomarkers and chronic pain development are necessary.
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