Progress in brain research最新文献

Individuals with visual impairments often experience poor sleep health, which may impact brain physiology and function, as evidenced by altered brain activity during sleep. The sleeping brain can be categorized into stages: three non-rapid eye movement (NREM) stages and one rapid eye movement (REM) stage, with each stage defined by its structure, that is, the duration and frequency of specific brain oscillations. Research investigating alterations in sleep structure among visually impaired individuals has yielded mixed results: some studies indicate reduced or absent deep sleep (N3), others report longer REM latency (the time until the first REM epoch), while some suggest that circadian dysfunction may play a more significant role than visual impairment itself. Sleep is regulated by two processes: the homeostatic sleep drive, which accumulates during wakefulness and is relieved during sleep, and the circadian process, which describes the 24-hour sleep-wake cycle. The circadian process is particularly vulnerable to disruption by visual impairments, as damage to the retina can alter photic entrainment, the process by which light signals from the retina align the circadian sleep-wake cycle with the solar day. Visually impaired individuals often experience a drifting sleep-wake cycle that misaligns with the light-dark cycle, and during periods of misalignment, sleep quality may be particularly poor, especially REM sleep, which is largely under circadian control. Some causes of visual impairment, such as glaucoma, may be more susceptible to circadian dysfunction than others, as glaucoma affects cells in the retinal layer necessary for photic entrainment, which in turn may increase the risk of changes to sleep structure. Given that abnormal sleep structure is associated with long-term health consequences, including increased risks of depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline, it may contribute to the high prevalence of these issues found among the visually impaired population. Further research is needed to clarify the roles of the causes of visual impairments, circadian misalignment, and the impact on sleep structure. A better understanding of these relationships could help develop targeted interventions to improve sleep and enhance health outcomes for visually impaired individuals.

The brainstem, far from being a simple relay center, emerges as a sophisticated processor of emotional trauma, orchestrating complex neural responses that reshape our understanding of trauma biology. This chapter explores the convoluted relationship between emotional trauma and brainstem function, revealing how traumatic experiences trigger precise quantum-level changes in neural circuits. Through examining chronobiological rhythms and neuroimmune interactions, we uncover the dynamic nature of trauma-induced brainstem adaptations. Our exploration extends to the fascinating brainstem-gut axis, where microbiota communicate with neural circuits to influence emotional processing. Recent discoveries in molecular imaging have identified distinct biomarkers of brainstem dysfunction, opening new avenues for early intervention. We introduce pioneering therapeutic approaches, from targeted optogenetic techniques to artificial intelligence-driven interventions, that promise more effective trauma treatment. By weaving together insights from quantum biology, chronobiology, and systems neuroscience, this chapter presents a fresh perspective on emotional trauma's neural imprint and charts a course toward personalized therapeutic strategies.

Hormesis, the processes in which small doses of a stressor show stimulatory effects or protective responses on target cells, and high doses show the opposite effects, was described as associated with cancer therapy. Although the introduction of new techniques in cancer therapy improved the success rate and patients' survival, it is important to mainly focus on chemo and radiotherapy. Some examples illustrating the hormetic relationships with cancer therapy are described. The hormetic response in cancer therapy presents considerable complexity due to the wide variability in biological responses observed between different systems and conditions. This variability poses significant challenges for the practical implementation of hormesis in oncological settings. Nevertheless, its potential to optimize existing therapies positions this phenomenon as an area of great interest and relevance for future scientific investigations.

Neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease (PD) are controlled by a sophisticated network known as the heart-brain axis. This chapter delves deep into the pathophysiology of PD, exploring in detail the links between the brain and the heart, covering topics as diverse as autonomic dysfunction, cardiac sympathetic denervation and neuroinflammation. We investigate the potential for genetics, proteomics, and biomarkers to radically alter the course of neurodegenerative and cardiovascular disease diagnosis and treatment. Protective medications, deep brain stimulation, and behavioural modifications are some of the newer and more established methods that have emerged in recent years to maintain the health of the heart and brain, two of the body's most important systems.Ultimately, this chapter argues that to treat Parkinson's disease (PD) effectively, it is essential to opt for a multidisciplinary approach that takes into account both the neurological and cardiovascular aspects of the condition.

His chapter explores the emergence and strengthening of the Articulação Nacional de Marchas da Maconha (ANMM)-the National Articulation of Marijuana Marches-in Brazil during the COVID-19 pandemic. The ANMM, a network of activists and collectives advocating for the legalization of marijuana and the reform of drug policies, represents a significant shift in the anti-prohibitionist movement in Brazil. The pandemic, which forced social movements to adapt to virtual spaces, accelerated the integration of digital technologies into activism, reshaping the strategies and organizational dynamics of the ANMM. Using Bruno Latour's Sociology of Associations (2012), this chapter analyzes the complex interplay between human and non-human actors-such as the internet, social media platforms, and the pandemic itself-in the formation and evolution of the ANMM. The chapter argues that the pandemic not only transformed the way social movements operate but also provided a unique opportunity for the ANMM to consolidate its national presence and amplify its advocacy efforts.

Healthcare is undergoing a transformation owing to artificial intelligence in medical diagnostics, which is providing unprecedented levels of efficiency and precision. AI is revolutionizing the detection, analysis, and treatment of diseases, especially in the field of medical diagnostics. AI can process enormous volumes of data quickly and effectively by utilizing machine learning and deep learning algorithms, giving healthcare professionals important insights. In addition to improving diagnosis accuracy, these developments are opening the door to early identification and individualized treatment regimens. AI transforms the interpretation of MRIs, computed tomography scans, and X-rays with extreme precision, outperforming humans in the identification of cancerous and vision-related ailments. Early disease identification has been greatly enhanced by the application of AI to identify anomalies associated with neurological and cardiac disorders. By facilitating the rapid identification of cardiac conditions and cancer, predictive analytics helps to significantly lower the number of false positives and negatives. AI reduces errors and human exhaustion and bias, resulting in more equitable and reliable provision of healthcare. With an emphasis on its uses, advantages, and the difficulties associated with incorporating these state-of-the-art technologies into clinical practice, this chapter examines the different ways artificial intelligence is changing medical diagnostics.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in high income countries and third most common cause of blindness worldwide. This chapter provides an overview of existing literature pertaining to the ways in which AMD impacts clinical measures of visual function, quality of life, and performance of everyday tasks. As well as being used in clinics, some of the tests described in this chapter have the potential to be piloted in patients' homes as self-monitoring tools, or as patient-centred outcome measures in clinical trials for new treatments in AMD. Moreover, the research findings reported in this literature review should help clinicians with patient management and expectations, and should to inform future patient, public and professional education on AMD.

Autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysregulation is commonly observed in a class of neurodegenerative disorders known as α-synucleinopathies including Parkinson's disease (PD), Dementia with Lewy Bodies, Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), and Pure Autonomic Failure. The ANS controls involuntary functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and respiratory rate, and its disruption can significantly impact patients' quality of life. In neurodegenerative disorders, damage to brain regions that regulate the ANS, such as the brainstem and hypothalamus, leads to impaired autonomic functions. The autonomic nervous system regulates heart function by balancing sympathetic and parasympathetic activity. The sympathetic branch increases heart rate and contractility during stress, while the parasympathetic branch slows heart rate during rest. This dynamic control ensures optimal heart function, adjusting to physiological demands and maintaining cardiovascular stability. In Parkinson's disease and Dementia with Lewy Bodies disorder, degeneration of dopaminergic neurons affects the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches of the ANS, contributing to cardiovascular dysfunction symptoms like orthostatic hypotension, postprandial hypotension, nondipping, and supine hypertension. In Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), autonomic nervous system dysfunction disrupts heart regulation, leading to severe cardiovascular issues such as orthostatic hypotension, abnormal heart rate, and impaired blood pressure control. These autonomic disturbances increase the risk of fainting, cardiovascular instability and contribute to significant morbidity in MSA patients. The cardiac autonomic function is assessed through some tests like heart rate variability (HRV), isometric handgrip test, orthostatic test, deep breathing tests, baroreflex sensitivity test, and Valsalva manoeuvre which evaluate the balance between sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system activity. These assessments help identify autonomic dysfunction, which can indicate underlying conditions such as neurodegenerative diseases or cardiovascular disorders.

Introduction: Pharmacological interventions for behavioral symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are limited and recent studies point out benefits with the use of cannabinoids.

Method: This longitudinal observational study investigates ASD symptoms after 3 months of starting cannabidiol (CBD)-rich extract therapy and it's impact on the mental health of caregivers. Assessment was based on clinical and socioeconomic questionnaire, Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC), Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) and Vineland 3 Scale. The Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) was applied to evaluate caregiver's health.

Results: Sixteen patients with ASD who received cannabinoid treatment (CBD group) and seventeen patients with ASD without cannabinoid treatment (control group). CBD group was characterized as severe autism, ATEC total (SD) 85.5 ± 34.00, while controls as moderate, ATEC total (SD) 58.6 ± 25.53 (p = 0.047). After 3 months of treatment, CBD group showed a reduction in maladaptive behavior - internalizing (Vineland 3) (p = 0.008), and their caregivers a reduction in symptoms of Interpersonal Sensitivity (BSI) (p = 0.038), Global Severity Index (BSI) (p = 0.025) and Positive Symptom Distress Index (BSI) (p = 0.007), indicating reduction on mental health symptoms. For the control group, after 3 months there was a significant increase in scores for Daily Living Activities (Vineland 3) (p = 0.031) and Socialization (ATEC) (p = 0.037).

Conclusion: This study suggests that therapy with cannabidiol (CBD)-rich extract in severe ASD may have positive effects on anxious and depressive symptoms, potentially positively impacting on the mental health of their caregivers.

The intricate relationship between cardiovascular health and cognitive function has emerged as a critical area of research in neurodegenerative diseases. This review explored the role of cardiac biomarkers as predictors of cognitive decline, elucidating the types, mechanisms, and clinical implications of these molecular indicators. We examined established biomarkers such as troponins, natriuretic peptides, and C-reactive protein, as well as emerging soluble biomarkers and microRNAs. The mechanisms linking cardiac dysfunction to cognitive decline were discussed, including vascular damage, neuroinflammation, and neurohormonal imbalances. Evidence from clinical studies demonstrated associations between elevated cardiac biomarkers and structural brain changes, as well as a decline in memory and executive function. Despite promising findings, current research faces limitations, including population-specific biases, limited biomarker diversity, and incomplete understanding of pathophysiological mechanisms. We highlighted the clinical implications of incorporating cardiac biomarkers into cognitive health assessments, emphasizing their potential for early detection, risk stratification, and personalized management strategies. The integration of cardiac biomarkers with neuroimaging, genetic data, and neuropsychological assessments is recognized to offer a comprehensive approach to managing high-risk populations. Looking ahead, we identified key areas for future research, including the need for large-scale, longitudinal studies across diverse populations, the exploration of novel biomarkers, and the application of artificial intelligence to enhance predictive models. The potential of cardiac biomarkers in public health initiatives and preventive screening programs was also discussed. Cardiac biomarkers represent a vital link between heart and brain health, offering valuable insights into the complex pathways of cognitive deterioration in neurodegenerative diseases. Their integration into clinical practice holds promise for improving outcomes and quality of life for individuals at risk of, or suffering from, cognitive decline worldwide.