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Quadriceps Strength and Temporal Preparation in Elderly Adults: The Mediating Role of Beta Oscillation.
This study investigated the relationship between lower limb muscle strength and temporal preparation in older adults using an electroencephalogram to assess neural oscillations during cognitive processes. Forty older adults were divided into higher (HSG, 70.40 ± 5.15 years) and lower muscle strength (LSG, 71.43 ± 4.86 years) groups based on quadriceps strength estimated via a manual muscle test. Functional mobility was assessed using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, while temporal preparation was evaluated using a choice response time (RT) task with randomly varying foreperiods (FPs) that required lower limb motor responses. The HSG outperformed the LSG on both the TUG test (HSG: 6.07 ± 1.14 vs. LSG: 6.79 ± 0.88, p = 0.031) and the cognitive task (HSG: 462.97 ± 51.06 ms vs. LSG: 525.86 ± 73.69 ms, p = 0.002), despite no clear FP effect in either group. Additionally, the HSG demonstrated a more pronounced modulation of oscillatory beta power during the late phase of longer FP trials (qs
Exploring the influence of a 4-week aerobic exercise intervention on cognitive control processes in young adults: An SFT and DDM study
Prior research has highlighted the potential impact of aerobic exercise on cognitive functioning, particularly in situations demanding heightened cognitive control. However, the mechanism underlying this cognitive enhancement has remained unknown. To address this issue, this study examined the impact of a 4-week aerobic exercise program on cognitive control processes in young male adults (aerobic exercise group: n = 36, aged 21.42 ± 1.13 years) in comparison to a control group that received no treatment (n = 33, aged 21.82 ± 1.76 years). We employed the redundant-target Stroop task to investigate inhibition processes at both perceptual and semantic stages. Utilizing systems factorial technology and the drift diffusion model, we assessed changes in resilience capacity and the underlying cognitive mechanisms. Our primary findings revealed a significant reduction in mean response times (RTs) in the aerobic exercise group, accompanied by a decrease in RT variability when inhibiting semantic processing. Resilience capacity significantly declined in both groups at similar levels. Notably, the aerobic exercise group exhibited an enhanced drift rate during automatic response inhibition and reduced non-decision time in the condition involving the inhibition of perceptual information. This study deepens our understanding of how a 4-week aerobic exercise program enhances cognitive control, affecting distinct cognitive processes, including processing speed, information accumulation during automatic response inhibition, and sensory and motor processes in perceptual conflicts. Our research underscores the potential of aerobic exercise as a means to boost cognitive control among young adults.
Application of Brain-Computer Interface and Virtual Reality in Advancing Cultural Experience
Virtual reality (VR), a computer-generated interactive environment, is provided to a user by projecting a peripheral image onto environmental surfaces. VR has an advantage of enhancing the immersive experience. Nowadays, VR has been widely applied in tourism and cultural experience. On the other hand, a recent integration of electroencephalography-based (EEG-based) brain-computer interface (BCI) and VR is capable of promoting the immersive virtual experience. Therefore, our study aims to propose an integrative framework to implement EEG-based BCI in a VR game to advance the cultural experience. A room escape game in a Tainan temple is created. EEG signals arc recorded while users arc playing the game. The online analyses of EEG signals arc used to interact with the VR display. This integrative framework can result in a better experience than the conventional setup.
Ultra-sensitive metaproteomics redefines the dark metaproteome, uncovering host-microbiome interactions and drug targets in intestinal diseases
Abstract The functional characterization of host-gut microbiome interactions remains limited by the sensitivity of current metaproteomic approaches. Here, we present uMetaP, an ultra-sensitive workflow combining advanced LC-MS technologies with an FDR-validated de novo sequencing strategy, novoMP. uMetaP markedly expands functional coverage and improves the taxonomic detection limit of the gut dark metaproteome by 5000-fold, enabling precise detection and quantification of low-abundance microbial and host proteins. Applied to a mouse model of intestinal injury, uMetaP revealed host-microbiome functional networks underlying tissue damage, beyond genomic findings. Orthogonal validation using transcriptomic data from Crohn’s disease patients confirmed key host protein alterations. Furthermore, we introduce the concept of a druggable metaproteome, mapping functional targets within the host and microbiota. By redefining the sensitivity limits of metaproteomics, uMetaP provides a highly valuable framework for advancing microbiome research and developing therapeutic strategies for microbiome-related diseases.
The use of genetic testing in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS): a practical approach.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rare and fatal neurodegenerative disease thought to be precipitated by genetic, environment and lifestyle factors. In the UK, whole genome sequencing has become available to all people living with ALS, regardless of their family history or age of onset of disease. However, there is currently no formal guidance on how to deliver genetic counseling and testing in busy mainstream clinics. This article offers practical suggestions to clinicians who may wish or need to discuss genomic testing. As more clinical trials and targeted gene therapies develop, it is likely that conversations will evolve, reflecting the dynamic nature of this important and complex field.
Rethinking corticosteroid therapy in autoimmune neurology
Teoh et al. assess corticosteroid treatment regimens in autoimmune neurological disease in the light of available preclinical and clinical evidence, highlighting current gaps in the literature that are important to consider when designing future therapeutic approaches.
Clinical phenotype and outcomes in autoimmune encephalitis after herpes simplex virus encephalitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND: Autoimmune encephalitis after herpes simplex virus encephalitis (HSVE-AE) represents the intersection of central nervous system infection and autoimmunity. Defining the phenotype and the safety and effectiveness of immunotherapy in HSVE-AE would help identify immunotherapy candidates, optimise therapeutic strategies, and improve patient outcomes. METHODS: We systematically searched Embase, Medline, PubMed, and Web of Science (2007-2024) for cases meeting consensus criteria for AE after confirmed HSVE. Demographics, phenotype, treatment and outcome data were extracted. Dimensionality reduction, network analysis, and multivariate logistic regression was used to explore age- and diagnosis-specific patterns and outcome predictors. RESULTS: From 2259 articles screened, 78 studies (225 patients) were included (median age 7.25 years; 52.9% female). Children (0-12 years) experienced more seizures during HSVE (p=0.003) and movement disorders during AE (p<0.001). Older patients (>12 years) had more headaches during HSVE (p=0.003), and speech dysfunction (p=0.02) and neuropsychiatric symptoms (p=0.02) during AE. HSVE-AE (89.3% N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-antibody encephalitis [NMDAR-AbE]) differed significantly from a canonical NMDAR-AbE cohort (n=1550) in clinical, paraclinical and outcome domains. Poor outcomes were linked to infant and older adult age, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and AE-phase mRS >4. Rituximab independently predicted better outcomes. Disability improved over time (p<0.001), with adverse event rates comparable to NMDAR-AbE. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: This meta-analysis defines novel age-specific HSVE-AE features, outcome predictors, and confirms the safety and improved outcomes of HSVE-AE after immunotherapy.
Layer-specific changes in sensory cortex across the lifespan in mice and humans.
The segregation of processes into cortical layers is a convergent feature in animal evolution. However, how changes in the cortical layer architecture interact with sensory system function and dysfunction remains unclear. Here we conducted functional and structural layer-specific in vivo 7T magnetic resonance imaging of the primary somatosensory cortex in two cohorts of healthy younger and older adults. Input layer IV is enlarged and more myelinated in older adults and is associated with extended sensory input signals. Age-related cortical thinning is driven by deep layers and accompanied by increased myelination, but there is no clear evidence for reduced inhibition. Calcium imaging and histology in younger and older mice revealed increased sensory-evoked neuronal activity accompanied by increased parvalbumin expression as a potential inhibitory balance, with dynamic changes in layer-specific myelination across age groups. Using multimodal imaging, we demonstrate that middle and deep layers show specific sensitivity to aging across species.
A cross-species analysis of neuroanatomical covariance sex differences in humans and mice.
BACKGROUND: Structural covariance within the brain is thought to reflect inter-regional sharing of developmental influences. This hypothesis has proved difficult to test but can be informatively probed by the study of sex differences. Here, we use neuroimaging in humans and mice to study sex-differences in anatomical covariance- asking (1) are there sex differences in structural covariance and (2) do regions that share the same developmental influences, as exhibited by shared sex differences in volume, also show shared sex differences in volume covariance. This study design illuminates both the biology of sex-differences and theoretical models for anatomical covariance- benefitting from tests of inter-species convergence. METHODS: Brain volume correlations for males and females across 255 regions in mice (n = 423) and 378 regions in humans (n = 436) were calculated using volumetric measures obtained from structural MRI. Mean correlations for each sex were compared within species to determine whether covariance sex differences exist. Specific covariances with strong sex differences in each species were identified via permutation tests for statistical significance. Brain maps of regional average structural covariance sex-bias were generated for mice and humans. Regional average structural covariance sex-bias and volumetric sex-bias were correlated to identify whether these features align in their direction of sex-bias. RESULTS: We find that volumetric structural covariance is stronger in adult females than males for both wild-type mice and healthy human subjects: 98% of comparisons with statistically significant covariance sex differences in mice are female-biased, while 76% of such comparisons are female-biased in humans (q
Population-Based Study of Disability and Institutionalization After Transient Ischemic Attack and Stroke
Background and Purpose— Long-term outcome information after transient ischemic attack (TIA) and stroke is required to help plan and allocate care services. We evaluated the impact of TIA and stroke on disability and institutionalization over 5 years using data from a population-based study. Methods— Patients from a UK population-based cohort study (Oxford Vascular Study) were recruited from 2002 to 2007 and followed up to 2012. Patients were followed up at 1, 6, 12, 24, and 60 months postevent and assessed using the modified Rankin scale. A multivariate regression analysis was performed to assess the predictors of disability postevent. Results— A total of 748 index stroke and 440 TIA cases were studied. For patients with TIA, disability levels increased from 14% (63 of 440) premorbidly to 23% (60 of 256) at 5 years ( P =0.002), with occurrence of subsequent stroke being a major predictor of disability. For stroke survivors, the proportion disabled (modified Rankin scale >2) increased from 21% (154 of 748) premorbidly to 43% (273 of 634) at 1 month ( P <0.001), with 39% (132 of 339) of survivors disabled 5 years after stroke. Five years postevent, 70% (483 of 690) of patients with stroke and 48% (179 of 375) of patients with TIA were either dead or disabled. The 5-year risk of care home institutionalization was 11% after TIA and 19% after stroke. The average 5-year cost per institutionalized patient was $99 831 (SD, 67 020) for TIA and $125 359 (SD, 91 121) for stroke. Conclusions— Our results show that 70% of patients with stroke are either dead or disabled 5 years after the event. Thus, there remains considerable scope for improvements in acute treatment and secondary prevention to reduce postevent disability and institutionalization.
The gut microbiome associated with LGI1‐antibody encephalitis
AbstractObjectiveAutoimmune encephalitis is a cause of brain inflammation characterized by auto‐antibodies, which target cell surface neuronal proteins and lead to neuronal dysfunction. The most common form is associated with auto‐antibodies to leucine‐rich glioma‐inactivated 1 (LGI1) protein, the presentation of which includes frequent focal seizures. The exact cause of these auto‐antibodies remains unknown, but established predispositions include overrepresented human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles. Yet, these HLA alleles are themselves common in the healthy ancestry‐matched population. One potential etiological hypothesis is that an environmental trigger, such as the gut microbiome, interacts with a genetically predisposed individual.MethodsTo investigate this, we studied 42 patients with LGI1‐antibody encephalitis (LGI1‐Ab‐E) and 27 familial/environmentally matched controls, and performed metagenomic shotgun sequencing, to describe the compositional and functional differences in the gut microbiome.ResultsWe observed that LGI1‐Ab‐E gut microbiomes exhibited a significant reduction in the ratio of Firmicutes (or Bacillota) and Bacteroidetes phyla, which is associated with the dosage of HLA susceptibility allele count in patients with LGI1‐Ab‐E. Furthermore, we identified differences in functional gene profiles in the gut microbiome that led to a reduction of neuroinflammatory protective short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in LGI1‐Ab‐E patients.SignificanceTaken together, our results suggest that a compositional shift in the gut microbiome of LGI1‐Ab‐E associates with a neuroinflammatory state, possibly through the reduction of SCFA production. Our study highlights the potential of the gut microbiome to explain some of the complex condition and unravel etiological questions. Validation studies with greater sample sizes are recommended.
Desmopressin for prevention of bleeding for thrombocytopenic, critically ill patients undergoing invasive procedures: A randomised, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled feasibility trial
AbstractThrombocytopenic patients have an increased risk of bleeding when undergoing invasive procedures. In a multicentre, phase II, blinded, randomised, controlled feasibility trial, critically ill patients with platelet count 100 × 109/L or less were randomised 1:1 to intravenous desmopressin (0.3 µg/kg) or placebo before an invasive procedure. Forty‐three participants (18.8% of those eligible) were recruited, with 41 eligible for analysis. Post‐procedure bleeding occurred in one of 22 (4.5%) in the placebo arm and zero of 19 in the desmopressin arm. Despite liberal inclusion criteria, there were significant feasibility challenges recruiting patients in the critical care setting prior to invasive procedures.
Changes in sensorimotor network dynamics in resting-state recordings in Parkinson's disease.
Non-invasive recordings of magnetoencephalography have been used for developing biomarkers for neural changes associated with Parkinson's disease that can be measured across the entire course of the disease. These studies, however, have yielded inconsistent findings. Here, we investigated whether analysing motor cortical activity within the context of large-scale brain network activity provides a more sensitive marker of changes in Parkinson's disease using magnetoencephalography. We extracted motor cortical beta power and beta bursts from resting-state magnetoencephalography scans of patients with Parkinson's disease (N = 28) and well-matched healthy controls (N = 36). To situate beta bursts in their brain network contexts, we used a time-delay-embedded hidden Markov model to extract brain network activity and investigated co-occurrence patterns between brain networks and beta bursts. Parkinson's disease was associated with decreased beta power in motor cortical power spectra, but no significant differences in motor cortical beta-burst dynamics occurred when using a conventional beta-burst analysis. Dynamics of a large-scale sensorimotor network extracted with the time-delay-embedded hidden Markov model approach revealed significant decreases in the occurrence of this network with Parkinson's disease. By comparing conventional burst and time-delay-embedded hidden Markov model state occurrences, we observed that motor beta bursts occurred during both sensorimotor and non-sensorimotor network activations. When using the large-scale network information provided by the time-delay-embedded hidden Markov model to focus on bursts that were active during sensorimotor network activations, significant decreases in burst dynamics could be observed in patients with Parkinson's disease. In conclusion, our findings suggest that decreased motor cortical beta power in Parkinson's disease is prominently associated with changes in sensorimotor network dynamics using magnetoencephalography. Thus, investigating large-scale networks or considering the large-scale network context of motor cortical activations may be crucial for identifying alterations in the sensorimotor network that are prevalent in Parkinson's disease and might help resolve contradicting findings in the literature.