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Neural Control of REM Sleep and Motor Atonia: Current Perspectives
This article discusses REM sleep circuits and their dysfunction, specifically emphasizing recent studies using conditional genetic tools.Recent FindingsSublaterodorsal nucleus (SLD) in the dorsolateral pons, especially the glutamatergic subpopulation in this region (SLDGlut), are shown to be indispensable for REM sleep. These neurons appear to be single REM generators in the rodent brain and may initiate and orchestrate all REM sleep events, including cortical and hippocampal activation and muscle atonia through distinct pathways. However, several  cell groups in the brainstem and hypothalamus may influence SLDGlut neuron...
Source: Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports - December 7, 2023 Category: Neuroscience Source Type: research

Neuromodulation for Post-Stroke Motor Recovery: a Narrative Review of Invasive and Non ‑Invasive Tools
AbstractPurpose of ReviewStroke remains a leading disabling condition, and many survivors have permanent disability despite acute stroke treatment and subsequent standard-of-care rehabilitation therapies. Adjunctive neuromodulation is an emerging frontier in the field of stroke recovery. In this narrative review, we aim to highlight and summarize various neuromodulation techniques currently being investigated to enhance recovery and reduce impairment in patients with stroke.Recent FindingsFor motor recovery, repetitive transcranial magnetic simulation (rTMS) and direct current stimulation (tDCS) have shown promising result...
Source: Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports - November 28, 2023 Category: Neuroscience Source Type: research

Neuromodulation for Post-Stroke Motor Recovery: a Narrative Review of Invasive of Invasive and Non ‑Invasive Tools
AbstractPurpose of ReviewStroke remains a leading disabling condition, and many survivors have permanent disability despite acute stroke treatment and subsequent standard-of-care rehabilitation therapies. Adjunctive neuromodulation is an emerging frontier in the field of stroke recovery. In this narrative review, we aim to highlight and summarize various neuromodulation techniques currently being investigated to enhance recovery and reduce impairment in patients with stroke.Recent FindingsFor motor recovery, repetitive transcranial magnetic simulation (rTMS) and direct current stimulation (tDCS) have shown promising result...
Source: Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports - November 28, 2023 Category: Neuroscience Source Type: research

Vagus Nerve Stimulation in Ischemic Stroke
AbstractPurpose of ReviewVagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has emerged as a potential therapeutic approach for neurological and psychiatric disorders. In recent years, there has been increasing interest in VNS for treating ischemic stroke. This review discusses the evidence supporting VNS as a treatment option for ischemic stroke and elucidates its underlying mechanisms.Recent FindingsPreclinical studies investigating VNS in stroke models have shown reduced infarct volumes and improved neurological deficits. Additionally, VNS has been found to reduce reperfusion injury. VNS may promote neuroprotection by reducing inflammation,...
Source: Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports - November 27, 2023 Category: Neuroscience Source Type: research

Revisiting Functional Dysconnectivity: a Review of Three Model Frameworks in Schizophrenia
AbstractPurpose of ReviewOver the last decade, evidence suggests that a combination of behavioral and neuroimaging findings can help illuminate changes in functional dysconnectivity in schizophrenia. We review the recent connectivity literature considering several vital models, considering connectivity findings, and relationships with clinical symptoms. We reviewed resting state fMRI studies from 2017 to 2023. We summarized the role of two sets of brain networks (cerebello-thalamo-cortical (CTCC) and the triple network set) across three hypothesized models of schizophrenia etiology (neurodevelopmental, vulnerability-stress...
Source: Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports - November 24, 2023 Category: Neuroscience Source Type: research

Sleep Duration and Executive Function in Adults
Abstract  Purpose of ReviewTo review the literature examining the relationship between sleep and cognition, specifically examining the sub-domain of executive function. We explore the impact of sleep deprivation and the important question of how much sleep is required for optimal cognitive performance. We consider how other sleep metrics, such as sleep quality, may be a more meaningful measure of sleep. We then discuss the putative mechanisms between sleep and cognition followed by their contribution to developing dementia.Recent FindingsSleep duration and executive function display a quadratic relationship. This suggests...
Source: Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports - November 14, 2023 Category: Neuroscience Source Type: research

Autonomic Manifestations of Long-COVID Syndrome
This article will critically evaluate recent findings and studies on Long-COVID and its physiological autonomic manifestations.Recent FindingsStudies have reported on the prevalence of different symptoms and autonomic disorders in Long-COVID cohorts. Autonomic nervous system function, including both the parasympathetic and sympathetic limbs, has been studied using different testing techniques in Long-COVID patients. While numerous mechanisms may contribute to Long-COVID autonomic pathophysiology, it is currently unclear which ones lead to a Long-COVID presentation. To date, studies have not tested treatment options for aut...
Source: Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports - November 10, 2023 Category: Neuroscience Source Type: research

Recent Developments in Blood Biomarkers in Neuro-oncology
AbstractPurpose of ReviewGiven the invasive and high-risk nature of brain surgery, the need for non-invasive biomarkers obtained from the peripheral blood is greatest in tumors of the central nervous system (CNS). In this comprehensive review, we highlight recent advances in blood biomarker development for adult and pediatric brain tumors.Recent FindingsWe summarize recent blood biomarker development for CNS tumors across multiple key analytes, including peripheral blood mononuclear cells, cell-free DNA, cell-free RNA, proteomics, circulating tumor cells, and tumor-educated platelets. We also discuss methods for enhancing ...
Source: Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports - November 9, 2023 Category: Neuroscience Source Type: research

Recent Advances in Pediatric Medulloblastoma
AbstractPurpose of ReviewReview recent advances in the understanding of pediatric medulloblastoma including etiology, biology, radiology, and management of pediatric medulloblastoma.Recent FindingsThe classic four subgroups have been reclassified and further subdivided based on new molecular findings. Research is revealing the cell origins of the different subtypes of medulloblastoma. There has been continued personalization of management based on molecular parameters.SummaryWhile many advances have been made in the knowledge base of this most common malignant pediatric brain tumor, there has not yet been translation into ...
Source: Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports - November 9, 2023 Category: Neuroscience Source Type: research

Neurotoxicity of Cancer Immunotherapies Including CAR T Cell Therapy
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo outline the spectrum of neurotoxicity seen with approved immunotherapies and in pivotal clinical trials including immune checkpoint inhibitors, chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy, vaccine therapy, and oncolytic viruses.Recent FindingsThere has been an exponential growth in new immunotherapies, which has transformed the landscape of oncology treatment. With more widespread use of cancer immunotherapies, there have also been advances in characterization of its associated neurotoxicity, research into potential underlying mechanisms, and development of management guidelines. Increasingly, ther...
Source: Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports - November 8, 2023 Category: Neuroscience Source Type: research

Advances in Treatment of Diffuse Midline Gliomas
AbstractPurpose of ReviewDiffuse midline gliomas (DMGs) generally carry a poor prognosis, occur during childhood, and involve midline structures of the central nervous system, including the thalamus, pons, and spinal cord.Recent FindingsTo date, irradiation has been shown to be the only beneficial treatment for DMG. Various genetic modifications have been shown to play a role in the pathogenesis of this disease. Current treatment strategies span targeting epigenetic dysregulation, cell cycle, specific genetic alterations, and the immune microenvironment.SummaryHerein, we review the complex features of this disease as it re...
Source: Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports - November 3, 2023 Category: Neuroscience Source Type: research

Updates in Parkinson ’s Disease Integrative Therapies: an Evidence-Based Review
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review summarizes recent evidence-based integrative therapies for Parkinson ’s disease (PD) that may improve motor and non-motor symptoms, enhance quality of life, and alter disease progression.Recent FindingsImaging studies have demonstrated that aerobic exercise changes brain structure and function, while strength training improves posture and balance. Loneliness is associated with worsening PD severity, but social prescribing and cognitive behavioral therapy may effectively foster connections. Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine practices including yoga, meditation, tai chi, and ac...
Source: Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports - November 3, 2023 Category: Neuroscience Source Type: research

Disparities in Neuro-Oncology
AbstractPurposeof ReviewHealth disparities are preventable differences in the diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of many diseases, including central nervous system (CNS) tumors. This review will summarize and compile the existing literature on health disparities in neuro-oncology and provide directions for future research and interventions.Recent FindingsPatients from historically marginalized groups are more likely to receive inadequate treatment, develop complications, and experience a shorter life expectancy. Financial toxicity can be particularly severe for patients with CNS tumors due to the high costs of treatment. A...
Source: Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports - October 27, 2023 Category: Neuroscience Source Type: research

Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Patients with Pre-existing Neurologic Autoimmune Disorders
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) for oncologic indications is associated with immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Patients with pre-existing autoimmune diseases are at increased risk of irAEs and have largely been excluded from clinical trials of ICIs. Therefore, there is limited data on the safety of safety of ICIs in patients with pre-existing neurologic autoimmune diseases (nAIDs) such as myasthenia gravis and multiple sclerosis. This review aims to synthesize the literature on the post-marketing experience with ICI in patients with pre-existing nAID and to discuss possible stra...
Source: Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports - October 23, 2023 Category: Neuroscience Source Type: research

Neurological Complications Associated with Hereditary Bleeding Disorders
AbstractPurpose of ReviewHereditary bleeding disorders may have a wide variety of clinical presentations ranging from mild mucosal and joint bleeding to severe central nervous system (CNS) bleeding, of which intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) is the most dreaded complication. In this review, we will discuss the pathophysiology of specific hereditary bleeding disorders, namely, hemophilia A, hemophilia B, and von Willebrand disease (vWD); their clinical manifestations with a particular emphasis on neurological complications; a brief overview of management strategies pertaining to neurological complications; and a review of liter...
Source: Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports - October 21, 2023 Category: Neuroscience Source Type: research