rudyvdbrink/CitationDatabase huggingface dataset:
Response certainty during bimanual movements reduces gamma oscillations in primary motor cortex.
NeuroImage, 2021

Even when movement outputs are identical, the neural responses supporting them might differ substantially in order to adapt to changing environmental contexts. Despite the essential nature of this adaptive capacity of the human motor system, little is known regarding the effects of contextual response (un)certainty on the neural dynamics known to serve motor processing. In this study, we use a novel bimanual motor task and neuroimaging with magnetoencephalography (MEG) to examine the effects of contextual response certainty on the dynamic neural responses that are important for proper movement. Significant neural responses were identified in the time-frequency domain at the sensor-level and imaged to the cortex using a spectrally resolved beamformer. Combined frequentist and Bayesian statistical testing between neural motor responses under certain and uncertain conditions indicated evidence for no conditional effect on the peri-movement beta desynchronization (18 - 28 Hz; -100 to 300 ms). In contrast, the movement-related gamma synchronization (MRGS; 66 - 86 Hz; -50 to 150 ms) exhibited a robust effect of motor certainty, such that increased contextual response certainty reduced the amplitude of this response. Interestingly, the peak frequency of the MRGS was unaffected by response certainty. These findings both advance our understanding of the neural processes required to adapt our movements under altered environmental contexts, and support the growing conceptualization of the MRGS as being reflective of ongoing higher cognitive processes during movement execution.
Extensive activation, tissue trafficking, turnover and functional impairment of NK cells in COVID-19 patients at disease onset associates with subsequent disease severity.
PLoS pathogens, 2021

The SARS-CoV-2 infection causes severe respiratory involvement (COVID-19) in 5-20% of patients through initial immune derangement, followed by intense cytokine production and vascular leakage. Evidence of immune involvement point to the participation of T, B, and NK cells in the lack of control of virus replication leading to COVID-19. NK cells contribute to early phases of virus control and to the regulation of adaptive responses. The precise mechanism of NK cell dysregulation is poorly understood, with little information on tissue margination or turnover. We investigated these aspects by multiparameter flow cytometry in a cohort of 28 patients hospitalized with early COVID-19. Relevant decreases in CD56brightCD16+/- NK subsets were detected, with a shift of circulating NK cells toward more mature CD56dimCD16+KIR+NKG2A+ and "memory" KIR+CD57+CD85j+ cells with increased inhibitory NKG2A and KIR molecules. Impaired cytotoxicity and IFN-γ production were associated with conserved expression of natural cytotoxicity receptors and perforin. Moreover, intense NK cell activation with increased HLA-DR and CD69 expression was associated with the circulation of CD69+CD103+ CXCR6+ tissue-resident NK cells and of CD34+DNAM-1brightCXCR4+ inflammatory precursors to mature functional NK cells. Severe disease trajectories were directly associated with the proportion of CD34+DNAM-1brightCXCR4+ precursors and inversely associated with the proportion of NKG2D+ and of CD103+ NK cells. Intense NK cell activation and trafficking to and from tissues occurs early in COVID-19, and is associated with subsequent disease progression, providing an insight into the mechanism of clinical deterioration. Strategies to positively manipulate tissue-resident NK cell responses may provide advantages to future therapeutic and vaccine approaches.
Shoulder position and handedness differentially affect excitability and intracortical inhibition of hand muscles.
Experimental brain research, 2021

Individuals with stroke show distinct differences in hand function impairment when the shoulder is in adduction, within the workspace compared to when the shoulder is abducted, away from the body. To better understand how shoulder position affects hand control, we tested the corticomotor excitability and intracortical control of intrinsic and extrinsic hand muscles important for grasp in twelve healthy individuals. Motor evoked potentials (MEP) using single and paired-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation were elicited in extensor digitorum communis (EDC), flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS), first dorsal interosseous (FDI), and abductor pollicis brevis (APB). The shoulder was fully supported in horizontal adduction (ADD) or abduction (ABD). Separate mixed-effect models were fit to the MEP parameters using shoulder position (or upper-extremity [UE] side) as fixed and participants as random effects. In the non-dominant UE, EDC showed significantly greater MEPs in shoulder ABD than ADD. In contrast, the dominant side EDC showed significantly greater MEPs in ADD compared to ABD; %facilitation of EDC on dominant side showed significant stimulus intensity x position interaction, EDC excitability was significantly greater in ADD at 150% of the resting threshold. Intrinsic hand muscles of the dominant UE received significantly more intracortical inhibition (SICI) when the shoulder was in ADD compared to ABD; there was no position-dependent modulation of SICI on the non-dominant side. Our findings suggest that these resting-state changes in hand muscle excitabilities reflect the natural statistics of UE movements, which in turn may arise from as well as shape the nature of shoulder-hand coupling underlying UE behaviors.
Thoracic aggressive vertebral hemangiomas: multidisciplinary management in a hybrid room.
European spine journal : official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society, 2020

Vertebral hemangiomas (VH) account for 2-3% of all spinal tumors. The majority is incidentally found on radiographic studies: 1% present with pain and/or neurologic deficits. We report our experience with the multidisciplinary management of aggressive symptomatic thoracic VH by concomitant intraoperative sclerotization with sodium tetradecyl sulfate (STS), vertebroplasty, posterior decompression (with/without fusion) and surgical resection in a hybrid operating room (HR) equipped with a rotational scanner and a radiolucent operating table.
How to study the menstrual cycle: Practical tools and recommendations.
Psychoneuroendocrinology, 2021

Despite decades of research on the physiological and psychological effects of the menstrual cycle, studies have not sufficiently adopted consistent methods for operationalizing the menstrual cycle. This has resulted in substantial confusion in the literature and limited possibilities to conduct systematic reviews and meta-analyses. In order to facilitate more rapid accumulation of knowledge on cycle effects, the present paper offers a set of integrative guidelines and standardized tools for studying the menstrual cycle as an independent variable. We begin with (1) an overview of the menstrual cycle and (2) premenstrual disorders, followed by (3) recommendations and tools regarding data collection in cycle studies. These recommendations address selecting the appropriate study design and sampling strategy, managing demand characteristics, identifying a sample of naturally-cycling individuals, and measuring menstrual bleeding dates, ovarian hormones, and ovulation. We proceed with suggestions for (4) data preparation and coding of cycle day and phases, as well as (5) data visualization, statistical modeling, and interpretation of menstrual cycle associations. We also provide (6) recommendations for using menses start day and ovulation testing to schedule visits in laboratory studies and end with a (7) comprehensive summary and conclusion. Regardless of whether the influence of the menstrual cycle is of central interest in a study or should be controlled to accurately assess the effects of another variable, the use of these recommendations and tools will help make study results more meaningful and replicable.
Reliability of measurements for sub-painful and painful perception on artificial electrical stimulations.
International journal of psychophysiology : official journal of the International Organization of Psychophysiology, 2018

Artificial electrical stimulation is a common type of stimulus to induce sub-painful and painful sensation in clinical or neuroscience experiments. The Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) is often used to evaluate subjective perception due to external stimulations. Yet the relationship between the intensity levels of electrical stimulations and self-perception has seldom been examined. The aim of the study was to obtain evidence on the reliability and accuracy of sub-painful and painful perceptions of healthy participants using the NRS under different levels of electrical stimulus. A total of 72 pain-free healthy volunteers (female=44) were recruited. In the first experiment, each participant was given different levels of a non-nociceptive or nociceptive electrical stimulus and then asked to give a perception rating based on an 11-point NRS. In the second experiment, each participant was asked to memorize 5 levels of sub-nociceptive or nociceptive stimuli and to recognize the level of stimulus given each time. For the NRS rating task, intraclass coefficients (ICCs) reached satisfactory level for sub-nociceptive (0.85<ICC<0.93) and nociceptive stimulation (0.90<ICC<0.96). The ICCs were the highest for the weakest sub-nociceptive and nociceptive stimuli. For the stimulus recognition task, accuracy was also found to be highest for the weakest sub-nociceptive stimulus (κ=0.67) and lowest for the strongest nociceptive stimulus (κ=0.34). The results suggest that, with adequate training, NRS can be a reliable measurement tool for both sub-painful and painful rating due to electrical stimulation.
Genetic Alzheimer's Disease Risk Affects the Neural Mechanisms of Pattern Separation in Hippocampal Subfields.
Current biology : CB, 2020

The hippocampal subfields perform distinct operations during acquisition, differentiation, and recollection of episodic memories, and deficits in pattern separation are among the first symptoms of Alzheimer's disease (AD). We investigated how hippocampal subfields contribute to pattern separation and how this is affected by Apolipoprotein-E (APOE), the strongest AD genetic risk factor. Using ultra-high-field (7T) functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), APOE-ε3-ε3 carriers predominantly recruited cornu ammonis 3 (CA3) during a spatial mnemonic discrimination task, whereas APOE-ε3-ε4 and APOE-ε3-ε2 carriers engaged CA3 and dentate gyrus (DG) to the same degree. Specifically, APOE-ε3-ε4 carriers showed reduced pattern separation in CA3, whereas APOE-ε3-ε2 carriers exhibited increased effects in DG and pattern separation-related functional connectivity between DG and CA3. Collectively, these results demonstrate that AD genetic risk alters hemodynamic responses in young pre-symptomatic individuals, paving the way for development of biomarkers for preclinical AD.
Functional neurological disorder: Characteristics and outcome in a limited-resources country (Sudan).
Epilepsy & behavior : E&B, 2020

There is a scarcity of reports from limited-resources countries on functional neurological disorder (FND). We therefore carried out this descriptive study from Sudan to highlight the clinical characteristics of patients and the cultural, diagnostic, and management outcome.
A Novel Cortical Mechanism for Top-Down Control of Water Intake.
Current biology : CB, 2020

Water intake is crucial for maintaining body fluid homeostasis and animals' survival [1-4]. In the brain, complex processes trigger thirst and drinking behavior [1-5]. The anterior wall of the third ventricle formed by the subfornical organ (SFO), the median preoptic nucleus, and the organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis (OVLT) constitute the primary structures sensing thirst signals and modulating water intake [6-10]. These subcortical regions are connected with the neocortex [11]. In particular, insular and anterior cingulate cortices (IC and ACC, respectively) have been shown to receive indirect innervations from the SFO and OVLT in rats [11] and to be involved in the control of water intake [12-15]. Type-1 cannabinoid receptors (CB
Non-pharmacological strategies for self-directed and interpersonal violence in people with severe mental illness: a rapid overview of systematic reviews.
BMJ open, 2021

Self-directed and interpersonal violence among people with severe mental illness has become a health priority. Though non-pharmacological interventions have been investigated, to our knowledge, no summary of all systematic reviews on this topic has been reported. We will conduct a rapid overview of reviews to synthesise evidence available by identifying systematic reviews on non-pharmacological interventions for self-directed or interpersonal violence in people with severe mental illness.
The relationship between olfaction and cognitive function in the elderly.
The journal of physiological sciences : JPS, 2020

This study investigated the relationship between olfaction and cognitive function in 12 elderly people (age: 80.9 ± 1.6) living in the community. Olfactory function was assessed by the identification threshold for rose odor. Four cognitive measures consisting general cognitive ability assessed by Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), its sub-domains, and attentional ability assessed by drawing a line to connect the numbers consecutively (trail-making test part A; TMT-A), were assessed. Subjects with a higher olfactory threshold (≥ 5) declined more in the performance speed of TMT-A (73% ± 7%, p = 0.05) compared with those subjects with a lower threshold (≤ 4) (averaged value was set at 100%). Other cognitive statuses assessed by MMSE tended to decline in subjects with higher thresholds. Because attentional function relates to the basal forebrain cholinergic system, our results suggest that olfactory impairment links to the decline in cognitive function, particularly of attention-relating cholinergic function.
Serotonin syndrome in a Parkinson disease patient after intake of an ethanol-containing homeopathic medication.
Neurodegenerative disease management, 2020

Serotonin syndrome is due to excess serotonin in the nervous system. We document a case of an elderly Parkinson disease patient who has been neurologically stable on rasagiline and escitalopram for 1 year but developed serotonin syndrome after intake of an ethanol-containing homeopathic medication. The patient presented with seizures, autonomic dysfunction and neuromuscular hyperexcitability. Maintenance medications were discontinued, hydration, sedation and respiratory support were provided with resolution of the symptoms. The combination of escitalopram and ethanol, both metabolized by the cytochrome P450 enzyme system can lead to serotonin syndrome. Our case highlights the importance of drug interactions in patients taking several medications. Additionally, the intake of medicines, may it be conventional or homeopathic medicine, without the guidance of a trained and competent physician, may lead to serious consequences for the patient.
Corneal and conjunctival alteration of innate immune expression in first-degree relatives of keratoconus patients.
Graefe's archive for clinical and experimental ophthalmology = Albrecht von Graefes Archiv fur klinische und experimentelle Ophthalmologie, 2021

The innate immune toll-like receptors 2 (TLR2) and 4 (TLR4) may play a key role in the physiopathology of keratoconus (KC). Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare TLR2/TLR4 expression in corneal and conjunctival epithelial cells between healthy first-degree relatives of patients with KC and healthy controls as well as KC patients.
Whole Exome Sequencing in Coloboma/Microphthalmia: Identification of Novel and Recurrent Variants in Seven Genes.
Genes, 2021

Coloboma and microphthalmia (C/M) are related congenital eye malformations, which can cause significant visual impairment. Molecular diagnosis is challenging as the genes associated to date with C/M account for only a small percentage of cases. Overall, the genetic cause remains unknown in up to 80% of patients. High throughput DNA sequencing technologies, including whole-exome sequencing (WES), are therefore a useful and efficient tool for genetic screening and identification of new mutations and novel genes in C/M. In this study, we analyzed the DNA of 19 patients with C/M from 15 unrelated families using singleton WES and data analysis for 307 genes of interest. We identified seven novel and one recurrent potentially disease-causing variants in
Contemporary functional neuroanatomy and pathophysiology of dystonia.
Journal of neural transmission (Vienna, Austria : 1996), 2021

Dystonia is a disabling movement disorder characterized by abnormal postures or patterned and repetitive movements due to co-contraction of muscles in proximity to muscles desired for a certain movement. Important and well-established pathophysiological concepts are the impairment of sensorimotor integration, a loss of inhibitory control on several levels of the central nervous system and changes in synaptic plasticity. These mechanisms collectively contribute to an impairment of the gating function of the basal ganglia which results in an insufficient suppression of noisy activity and an excessive activation of cortical areas. In addition to this traditional view, a plethora of animal, genetic, imaging and electrophysiological studies highlight the role of the (1) cerebellum, (2) the cerebello-thalamic connection and (3) the functional interplay between basal ganglia and the cerebellum in the pathophysiology of dystonia. Another emerging topic is the better understanding of the microarchitecture of the striatum and its implications for dystonia. The striosomes are of particular interest as they likely control the dopamine release via inhibitory striato-nigral projections. Striosomal dysfunction has been implicated in hyperkinetic movement disorders including dystonia. This review will provide a comprehensive overview about the current understanding of the functional neuroanatomy and pathophysiology of dystonia and aims to move the traditional view of a 'basal ganglia disorder' to a network perspective with a dynamic interplay between cortex, basal ganglia, thalamus, brainstem and cerebellum.
The anxiogenic-like effects of dehydration in a semi-desert rodent Meriones shawi indicating the possible involvement of the serotoninergic system.
Acta histochemica, 2012

Dehydration is a powerful stimulus causing disequilibrium in homeostasis of water and electrolytes resulting from depletion in total body water. Most studies have focused on domestic and laboratory animals; however, the study of desert animals allows improved understanding about water balance and resistance to dehydration and associated behavioral changes, including those related to mood disorders. Meriones shawi (Shaw's Jird) is a desert rodent characterized by its resistance to long periods of thirst that can extend for several months. In the present study, M. shawi were subjected to water deprivation for 1 and 3 months. We used 5-HT immunohistochemistry to evaluate the effects of prolonged dehydration on the serotoninergic system in both dorsal and median raphe nuclei (DRN, MRN), which are the main sources of 5-HT input to several brain areas. In addition, a dark/light box was used to evaluate the anxiolytic-like or anxiogenic-like effects of dehydration on M. shawi. The results showed a reduction in the 5-HT immunolabelling in both DRN and MRN following 1 and 3 months of dehydration. This diminution of serotonin immunoreactivity was accompanied by noticeable changes in anxiety behavior of Meriones, with animals spending more time in the light box, suggesting anxiogenic-like effects caused by dehydration. Overall, the results indicate that dehydration is able to reduce serotoninergic neurotransmission, which might be involved in generating anxiety behavior in this desert animal.
Malpighamoeba infection compromises fluid secretion and P-glycoprotein detoxification in Malpighian tubules.
Scientific reports, 2020

Malpighian tubules, analogous to vertebrate nephrons, play a key role in insect osmoregulation and detoxification. Tubules can become infected with a protozoan, Malpighamoeba, which damages their epithelial cells, potentially compromising their function. Here we used a modified Ramsay assay to quantify the impact of Malpighamoeba infection on fluid secretion and P-glycoprotein-dependent detoxification by desert locust Malpighian tubules. Infected tubules have a greater surface area and a higher fluid secretion rate than uninfected tubules. Infection also impairs P-glycoprotein-dependent detoxification by reducing the net rhodamine extrusion per surface area. However, due to the increased surface area and fluid secretion rate, infected tubules have similar total net extrusion per tubule to uninfected tubules. Increased fluid secretion rate of infected tubules likely exposes locusts to greater water stress and increased energy costs. Coupled with reduced efficiency of P-glycoprotein detoxification per surface area, Malpighamoeba infection is likely to reduce insect survival in natural environments.
Peripheral receptors and neuromediators involved in the antihyperalgesic effects of acupuncture: a state-of-the-art review.
Pflugers Archiv : European journal of physiology, 2021

The present study aims to describe state-of-the-art of preclinical studies that have investigated peripheral receptors and neuromediators involved in the antihyperalgesic effects of acupuncture. The PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched using the integrative review method. Preclinical articles that involved the study of peripheral receptors and neuromediators on the pain control effects of acupuncture in rats or mice were selected using a predefined search strategy. From this search, 456 articles were found, and 29 of them met the inclusion criteria of the study. The selected articles addressed the following peripheral receptors: opioid (n = 9), adenosine (n = 5), cannabinoid (n = 5), transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV) (n = 3), histamine (n = 2), adrenergic (n = 1), muscarinic (n = 1), corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF) (n = 2), IL-1 (n = 1), and endothelin (n = 1) receptors. The peripheral neuromediators correlated with the peripheral pain control effect were as follows: opioid peptides (n = 4), adenosine (n = 3), histamine (n = 1), substance P (n = 1) calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) (n = 1), anandamide (n = 1), nitric oxide (n = 1), and norepinephrine (n = 1). This review summarizes the methods used to investigate the peripheral effects of acupuncture and discusses the main findings on each family of receptors and neuromediators. Ten families of peripheral receptors and 8 types of neuromediators were correlated with the antihyperalgesic effects of acupuncture in preclinical studies. Considering the benefits of a better understanding of the role of peripheral receptors and neuromediators in the context pain management, the findings of the present study highlight the importance of deepening the exploration of the peripheral mechanisms of acupuncture.
Biliverdin and bilirubin sulfonate inhibit monosodium urate induced sterile inflammation in the rat.
European journal of pharmaceutical sciences : official journal of the European Federation for Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2020

Biliverdin, a by-product of haem catabolism, possesses potent endogenous antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Bilirubin-C10-sulfonate (BRS), an active metabolite formed after enteral administration of BV in the rat, also possess antioxidant properties. Therefore, we investigated the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity of BV and BRS in an in vivo model of monosodium urate induced sterile inflammation.