Proposing Bromo-epi-androsterone (BEA) for perioperative neurocognitive disorders with Interleukin-6 as a druggable target.

Cognitive impairment following surgery is a significant complication, affecting multiple neurocognitive domains. The term "perioperative neurocognitive disorders" (PND) is recommended to encompass this entity. Individuals who develop PND are typically older and have increases in serum and brain pro-inflammatory cytokines notwithstanding the type of surgery undergone.

[Investigation of sasX, ACME and Various Virulence Factors in Coagulase Negative Staphylococcal Strains Identified as Bloodstream Infection Agents and Contamination].

The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of sasX, arginine catabolic mobile element (ACME) genes, biofilm formation and some biofilm related virulence factor genes in causative and contaminant coagulase negative staphylococci (CNS) strains isolated from blood cultures. Of the 150 CNS strains included in the study, 50 were grouped as infectious agents and 100 as contaminants. Biofilm formation of the strains was investigated by microplate method and the presence of sasX, ACME, mecA and biofilm associated virulence factor genes icaA, icaD, aap, bhp and IS256 were investigated by inhouse polymerase chain reaction method.

Brain organoid methodologies to explore mechanisms of disease in progressive multiple sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis (MS), a debilitating autoimmune disorder targeting the central nervous system (CNS), is marked by relentless demyelination and inflammation. Clinically, it presents in three distinct forms: relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), primary progressive MS (PPMS), and secondary progressive MS (SPMS). While disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) offer some relief to people with RRMS, treatment options for progressive MS (pMS) remain frustratingly inadequate.

[Correlation of Mutation with Clinical Features and Prognosis of Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis in Cildren].

Objective: To explore the gene mutations of Langerhans cell histiocytosis in children, and to analyze the correlation of mutation with clinical features and prognosis of LCH, so as to provide reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Methods: Fluorescence PCR was used to detect gene mutations in paraffin-embedded tissue samples from 78 children with LCH, and the correlation of mutation with clinical characteristics and prognosis of LCH in children was analyzed.

Results: Among the 78 children, 41 cases (52.

Research priorities for improving cognitive and neuropsychological outcomes in hydrocephalus.

Hydrocephalus is a neurological disorder that impacts approximately 85 per 100,000 individuals worldwide and is associated with motor and cognitive impairments. While many advances in surgical interventions have helped substantially improve the survival rates and quality of life of those affected, there continues to be significant gaps in our understanding of the etiology of this heterogeneous condition as well as its specific neuropsychological and functional challenges across different phases of life. To address these limitations, the Hydrocephalus Association and Rudi Schulte Research Institute organized a workshop titled, "Improving Cognitive and Psychological Outcomes in Hydrocephalus", composed of top academics in the fields of hydrocephalus, cognition, and neuropsychology, as well as individuals with hydrocephalus or their caregivers.

MRZ-reaction maybe influenced by immunization status and is not exclusive to multiple sclerosis.

Background: Among white populations, a poly-specific antibody response against measles (M), rubella (R) and varicella zoster(Z) otherwise known as MRZR is seen in ∼70 % of MS and rarely in other demyelinating disorders. While the basis for MRZR is unclear, vaccination exposure / community acquired infections may have an influence on its frequency.

Objective: To determine the frequency and specificity of MRZR in MS and related disorders in a non- white population with historically low vaccinations and to contrast against oligoclonal bands (OCB).

Immune cell infiltration and modulation of the blood-brain barrier in a guinea pig model of tuberculosis: Observations without evidence of bacterial dissemination to the brain.

Tuberculosis (TB), caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection, is a chronic inflammatory disease. Although typically associated with inflammation of the lungs and other peripheral tissues, increasing evidence has uncovered neurological consequences attributable to Mtb infection. These include deficits in memory and cognition, increased risk for neurodegenerative disease, and progressive neuropathology.

A Closer Look at the Giant with Feet of Clay: Analyzing and Refining Neff´s Theory of Self-Compassion.

In this article, the authors aim to offer a perspective on self-compassion capable of becoming part of a unified psychology; however not "from scratch", but based on what Neff (2003a, b) proposed. This is through the analysis and refinement of her theory in two stages. First, they check whether the supposed six factors exist in the constitution of self-compassion using the exploratory factor analysis (EFA) technique in a collected sample for this study (249 participants, 69.

The ADHD Assessment Quality Assurance Standard for Children and Teenagers (CAAQAS).

Around 5% of the children and teenagers worldwide are affected by Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder [ADHD], making it a major public health concern. Recently, demand for assessments has substantially increased, putting strain on healthcare and waiting lists. There is concern that pressure to clear service bottlenecks is leading to variable quality and reliability of ADHD assessments in this population.

Combined Use of Intranasal Methylprednisolone and Allopregnanolone: Revisiting Anti-inflammatory and Remyelinating Treatment in a Murine Model of Multiple Sclerosis.

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating, neuroinflammatory, progressive disease that severely affects human health of young adults. Neuroinflammation (NI) and demyelination, as well as their interactions, are key therapeutic targets to halt or slow disease progression. Potent steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as methylprednisolone (MP) and remyelinating neurosteroids such as allopregnanolone (ALLO) could be co-administered intranasally to enhance their efficacy by providing direct access to the central nervous system (CNS).

Current Progress on Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction: An Update.

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) represents a significant clinical concern, particularly among elderly surgical patients. It is characterized by a decline in cognitive performance, affecting memory, attention, coordination, orientation, verbal fluency, and executive function. This decline in cognitive abilities leads to longer hospital stays and increased mortality.

Gut-brain axis and brain health: modulating neuroinflammation, cognitive decline, and neurodegeneration.

The microbiota-gut-brain axis is a pivotal medium of crosstalk between the central nervous system (CNS) and the gastrointestinal tract. It is an intricate network of synergistic molecular pathways that exert their effects far beyond their local vicinity and even affect the systemic functioning of the body. The current review explores the involvement of the gut-brain axis (GBA) in the functioning of the nervous system, with a special emphasis on the neurodegeneration, cognitive decline, and neuroinflammation that occur in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD).

Frequency, characteristics, and immunological accompaniments of ataxia in anti-NMDAR antibody-associated encephalitis.

Introduction: Very rarely, adult NMDAR antibody-associated encephalitis (NMDAR-E) leads to persistent cerebellar atrophy and ataxia. Transient cerebellar ataxia is common in pediatric NMDAR-E. Immune-mediated cerebellar ataxia may be associated with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG), aquaporin-4 (AQP-4), kelch-like family member 11 (KLHL11), and glutamate kainate receptor subunit 2 (GluK2) antibodies, all of which may co-occur in NMDAR-E.

Vagus nerve stimulation: a physical therapy with promising potential for central nervous system disorders.

The diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) often cause irreversible damage to the human body and have a poor prognosis, posing a significant threat to human health. They have brought enormous burdens to society and healthcare systems. However, due to the complexity of their causes and mechanisms, effective treatment methods are still lacking.

Innate immune memory in chronic HIV and HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND): potential mechanisms and clinical implications.

Although antiretroviral therapy (ART) has dramatically improved the outlook of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, people living with HIV (PLWH) on suppressive therapy are still at higher risk for a range of comorbidities including cardiovascular disease (CVD) and HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND), among others. Chronic inflammation and immune activation are thought to be an underlying cause of these comorbidities. Many of the factors thought to drive chronic inflammation and immune activation in HIV overlap with factors known to induce trained immunity.

Communication skills in pediatrics: perception of medical students.

Background: Effective communication with patients and their families is a fundamental skill for medical students to cultivate during their undergraduate training. However, communicating with pediatric patients presents unique challenges. This study investigated the perceptions, attitudes, and confidence levels of undergraduate medical students regarding communication skills in pediatrics.

Pediatric diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas- a prospective observational study from a tertiary care neurosurgical center.

Introduction: Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) in children comprises 80% of brainstem gliomas. In 2021, 5th edition of WHO CNS tumor classification defined H3K27M altered diffuse midline gliomas (DMGs) which replaced this entity. Lesion location precludes resection and the only current option available is radiotherapy.

Safety and Efficacy of Ecopipam in Patients with Tourette Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Background And Objectives: Ecopipam is a selective antagonist of the dopamine D1 receptor, and its efficacy and safety have recently been explored in several clinical trials involving patients with Tourette syndrome (TS). The objectives of this systematic review were to determine the pooled estimate for efficacy [in terms of reduction in tic Yale Global Tic Severity Scale (YGTSS) scores] and safety of oral ecopipam in subjects with TS.

Methods: All clinical trials that explored the efficacy and/or safety of ecopipam in patients with TS were included to determine the pooled estimate for change in YGTSS, Clinical Global Impression (CGI)-TS, and the severity of comorbid attention-deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD), obsessive compulsion disorder (OCD), and depressive symptoms, as well as the nature and frequency of adverse effects.

Symptoms Prior to Diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis in Individuals Younger Than 18 Years.

Importance: A growing body of literature suggests the presence of a prodromal period with nonspecific signs and symptoms before onset of multiple sclerosis (MS).

Objective: To systematically assess diseases and symptoms diagnosed in the 5 years before a first MS- or central nervous system (CNS) demyelinating disease-related diagnostic code in pediatric patients compared with controls without MS and controls with another immune-mediated disorder, juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

Design, Setting, And Participants: This population-based, matched case-control study included children and adolescents (aged <18 years) in Germany with statutory health insurance from January 2010 to December 2020.

Neural Cell Interactions with a Surgical Grade Biomaterial Using a Simulated Injury in Brain Organotypic Slices.

Tissue engineering research for neurological applications has demonstrated that biomaterial-based structural bridges present a promising approach for promoting regeneration. This is particularly relevant for penetrating traumatic brain injuries, where the clinical prognosis is typically poor, with no available regeneration-enhancing therapies. Specifically, repurposing clinically approved biomaterials offers many advantages (reduced approval time and achieving commercial scaleup for clinical applications), highlighting the need for detailed screening of potential neuromaterials.

null genotype underpins recurrence of meningiomas.

Introduction: Meningiomas are the most common primary central nervous system (CNS) tumor in adults, comprising one-third of all primary adult CNS tumors. Although several recent publications have identified molecular alterations in meningioma including characteristic mutations, copy number alterations, and gene expression signatures, our understanding of the drivers of meningioma recurrence is limited.

Objective: To identify gene expression signatures of 1p22qNF2 meningioma recurrence, with concurrent biallelic inactivation of and loss of chr1p that are heterogenous but enriched for recurrent meningiomas.

Crocin as a potential therapeutic agent for multiple sclerosis: insights from experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis model in mice.

Objective: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a prevalent autoimmune disorder characterized by neuroinflammation and demyelination in the central nervous system (CNS), leading to neurological dysfunction. Despite advances in treatment, there remains an unmet need for safe and effective therapies. Crocin, a bioactive constituent of saffron, has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory properties in various disease models.

Elevated Activity in Left Homologous Music Circuits Is Inhibitory for Music Perception but Mediated by Structure-Function Coupling.

Aims: Previous studies suggested that structural and functional connectivity of right frontotemporal circuits associate with music perception. Emerging evidences demonstrated that structure-function coupling is important for cognition and may allow for a more sensitive investigation of brain-behavior association, while we know little about the relationship between structure-function coupling and music perception.

Methods: We collected multimodal neuroimaging data from 106 participants and measured their music perception by Montreal Battery of Evaluation of Amusia (MBEA).