Neuroscience
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Although inflammation and oxidative stress have been increasingly recognised as components of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) pathologies. Few studies have investigated peripheral inflammation, and none have examined oxidative stress in Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). The purpose of our study was to characterize and compare those biomarkers in DLB with those in AD and amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI). ⋯ Significant positive correlations were found between Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) scores and CRP levels. Our study identifies a unique peripheral immune and oxidative stress profile in DLB, characterized by elevated IL-6, MDA, and reduced SOD levels, distinguishing it from AD. These findings, linked to α-synuclein (α-Syn) pathology, provide novel insights into DLB mechanisms and highlight potential biomarkers for disease monitoring, targeted therapies, and future clinical trials.
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The rupture of intracranial aneurysms (IAs) leads to aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH), which is associated with significant disability and mortality rates. This study aims to identify metabolic markers causally linked to the occurrence of IAs and aSAH through Mendelian randomization (MR), thereby offering novel predictive and therapeutic targets. ⋯ This study found that nine circulating metabolites and their ratios with significant causal associations to aSAH, while no metabolites and their ratios were causally linked to IAs. These results suggest possible mechanisms and predictive molecular targets for IAs and aSAH.
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Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) modulates brain oscillations and corticomotor plasticity. We examined the effects of four tACS frequencies (20 Hz, 40 Hz, 60 Hz, and 80 Hz) on motor cortex (M1) excitability and motor performance. In a randomised crossover design, 12 adults received 20-minute tACS sessions, with Sham as control. ⋯ Regression analyses revealed that shorter SP at 60 min post 60 Hz tACS predicted faster reaction times, while greater MEP amplitudes at 60 min following 80 Hz tACS predicted improved hand dexterity. Overall, beta and gamma tACS frequencies modulate M1 excitability, with consistent effects on SP, suggesting potential use in conditions involving SP elongation, such as stroke and Huntington's disease. These findings highlight 60 Hz tACS as a potential tool for motor rehabilitation therapies.
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Review
Advances in diagnostic imaging and interventional treatment of aphasia after basal ganglia stroke.
Post-stroke basal ganglia aphasia is an unusual and transient form of aphasia resulting from basal ganglia damage. It is commonly believed that the generation of language function primarily resides in regular language regions of the brain; however, recent findings indicate a prevalence of basal ganglia stroke aphasia as high as 22%. Subcortical structures (e.g., basal ganglia) also play an important role in language processing. ⋯ Treatment for post-stroke basal ganglia aphasia includes transcranial magnetic stimulation, a recent emerging therapeutic technique, in addition to conventional medications and speech rehabilitation. Consequently, understanding this condition is crucial. This review delves into its causes, imaging methods, and therapeutic interventions, offering a systematic and comprehensive analysis of these aspects.
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Best known for promoting wakefulness and arousal, the neuropeptide hypocretin (Hcrt) also plays an important role in mediating stress responses, including social stress. However, central and systemic manipulation of the Hcrt system has produced diverse behavioral outcomes in animal models. In this review, we first focus on studies where similar manipulations of the Hcrt system led to divergent coping behaviors. ⋯ Overall, the evidence suggests that rather than enhancing or inhibiting behavioral responses to social stress, Hcrt may signal the heightened arousal associated with stressful contexts. The resulting behavioral effects depend on which circuits Hcrt release occurs in and which receptor types are activated. Further study is needed to determine how and why circuit specific activation of Hcrt neurons occurs.