Visual-spatial and visuomotor functioning in adults with neurofibromatosis type 1.

Background: Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a neurodevelopmental genetic disorder associated with visual-spatial and visuomotor deficits, which have not been studied well in adults with NF1.

Methods: In 22 adults with NF1 and 31 controls, visuomotor functioning was assessed by measuring eye latency, hand latency and hand accuracy during visuomotor tasks. Visual-spatial functioning was assessed by measuring eye movement responses during the Visual Threshold Task.

Plasticity of visual evoked potentials in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1.

Objective: The inability to properly process visual information has been frequently associated with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). Based on animal studies, the cause of cognitive disabilities in NF1 is hypothesized to arise from decreased synaptic plasticity. Visual cortical plasticity in humans can be investigated by studying visual evoked potentials (VEPs) in response to visual stimulation.

Oxytocin moderates the association between testosterone-cortisol ratio and trustworthiness: A randomized placebo-controlled study.

Oxytocin has been proposed to enhance feelings of trust, however, these findings have been difficult to replicate. Environmental or hormonal factors might influence this association. We studied whether oxytocin moderates the association between the testosterone-cortisol ratio, which is associated with risk taking behavior and aggression, and trustworthiness, while controlling for the general level of trust.

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Targeting the Entire Motor Network Does Not Increase Corticospinal Excitability.

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the contralateral primary motor cortex of the target muscle (conventional tDCS) has been described to enhance corticospinal excitability, as measured with transcranial magnetic stimulation. Recently, tDCS targeting the brain regions functionally connected to the contralateral primary motor cortex (motor network tDCS) was reported to enhance corticospinal excitability more than conventional tDCS. We compared the effects of motor network tDCS, 2 mA conventional tDCS, and sham tDCS on corticospinal excitability in 21 healthy participants in a randomized, single-blind within-subject study design.