Syntaxin1A overexpression and pain insensitivity in individuals with 7q11.23 duplication syndrome.

Genetic modifications leading to pain insensitivity phenotypes, while rare, provide invaluable insights into the molecular biology of pain and reveal targets for analgesic drugs. Pain insensitivity typically results from Mendelian loss-of-function mutations in genes expressed in nociceptive (pain-sensing) dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons that connect the body to the spinal cord. We document a pain insensitivity mechanism arising from gene overexpression in individuals with the rare 7q11.

Beyond linearity in neuroimaging: Capturing nonlinear relationships with application to longitudinal studies.

The ubiquitous adoption of linearity for quantitative predictors in statistical modeling is likely attributable to its advantages of straightforward interpretation and computational feasibility. The linearity assumption may be a reasonable approximation especially when the variable is confined within a narrow range, but it can be problematic when the variable's effect is non-monotonic or complex. Furthermore, visualization and model assessment of a linear fit are usually omitted because of challenges at the whole brain level in neuroimaging.

Improved cognitive-cerebral function in older adults with chromium supplementation.

Insulin resistance is implicated in the pathophysiological changes associated with Alzheimer's disease, and pharmaceutical treatments that overcome insulin resistance improve memory function in subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and early Alzheimer's disease. Chromium (Cr) supplementation improves glucose disposal in patients with insulin resistance and diabetes. We sought to assess whether supplementation with Cr might improve memory and neural function in older adults with cognitive decline.

Blueberry supplementation improves memory in older adults.

The prevalence of dementia is increasing with expansion of the older adult population. In the absence of effective therapy, preventive approaches are essential to address this public health problem. Blueberries contain polyphenolic compounds, most prominently anthocyanins, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Concord grape juice supplementation improves memory function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment.

Concord grape juice contains polyphenol compounds, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and influence neuronal signalling. Concord grape juice supplementation has been shown to reduce inflammation, blood pressure and vascular pathology in individuals with CVD, and consumption of such flavonoid-containing foods is associated with a reduced risk for dementia. In addition, preliminary animal data have indicated improvement in memory and motor function with grape juice supplementation, suggesting potential for cognitive benefit in ageing humans.