Articles tagged with Neurological Disorders
A new blood test developed by NIH scientists can diagnose Menkes disease in infants as early as birth, allowing for timely treatment that extends their survival. The test detects abnormal levels of catecholamines, a copper-dependent enzyme, which are present in the condition.
Researchers found that increasing ER calcium levels partially restored mutant lysosomal enzyme homeostasis in cell lines. Diltiazem and verapamil, L-type Ca2+ channel blockers, achieved this through a Ca2+ ion-mediated upregulation of chaperones, potentially treating neuropathic storage diseases.
Researchers identified genetic variants that affect the efficacy of antidepressants, such as citalopram and venlafaxine. These variants influence the access of drugs to the brain by impacting protective transporter proteins like P-gp.
A mutation in the dynein protein may cause inherited neuropathy by disrupting cargo transport in sensory nerve cells, leading to severe proprioception defects and early-onset locomotion problems. This study provides crucial clues for developing better treatments for peripheral neuropathy.
A team of Japanese researchers found that premenstrual syndrome is tied to decreased nerve activity, particularly in those with extreme symptoms. Women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder had altered sympathovagal activity even in the follicular phase, suggesting a potential underlying biomechanism for PMS.
Researchers at the University of Michigan discovered that protein PEPT2 shields the brain from a naturally occurring but toxic compound found in lead poisoning and liver diseases. The study found that mice lacking PEPT2 died sooner and had higher concentrations of the toxin in their cerebrospinal fluid.
Cambridge researchers identified distinct brain patterns in individuals with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and their close family members. This discovery could lead to more accurate diagnosis and prediction of OCD risk, as well as a better understanding of the underlying causes of the condition.
Youth with ADHD exhibit delayed brain maturation in frontal cortex areas, which can affect higher-order executive control functions. However, the delay is most pronounced in regions at the front of the brain's outer mantle, supporting ability to control thinking, attention, and planning.
A single amino acid variation in equid herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) creates a different type of EHV-1 that causes neurological disorders in horses. The researchers found that altering this amino acid reduces virus levels and makes the virus more susceptible to antiviral drugs.
Primary central nervous system vasculitis is a rare and poorly understood disorder that can lead to stroke or death. A recent Mayo Clinic study provides clarification on the methods of diagnosis and treatment, suggesting a combined diagnostic approach using angiography, brain biopsy, and laboratory studies.
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia successfully delivered beneficial gene to entire mouse brain with one injection, correcting diseased areas. The technique has potential for treating rare genetic neurological disorders like Tay-Sachs disease and Sly syndrome.
Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill School of Medicine have identified neurexin as essential for synapse growth, maintenance, and function. The study in Drosophila fruit flies may lead to insights into autism spectrum disorders and human neurological disorders.
Dr. Andrej Romanovsky has been awarded a $1.8 million grant to study the mechanisms of fever and hypothermia in systemic inflammation. His research aims to gain insight into the therapeutic use of anti-inflammatory drugs.
Autistic individuals often struggle with interpreting subtle social cues like facial expressions and tone of voice. A UCLA study found that explicit instructions can train their brains to respond appropriately. Researchers trained ASD children to pay attention to these cues, resulting in increased activity in the brain's 'social' network.
Muhammad B. Yunus synthesizes extensive literature on fibromyalgia and central sensitivity syndromes, linking them to real neurochemical abnormalities. He advocates for a biopsychosocial perspective in treating chronic pain syndromes.
A study found that adults who were close to the 9/11 disaster had increased amygdala activity in response to emotional stimuli several years later. The results suggest long-term neurobiological correlates of trauma exposure and potential vulnerability to mental health disorders.
A study by Charite Campus Benjamin Franklin in Berlin, Germany shows CT angiography is effective for detecting peripheral vascular disease. The technique outperforms digital subtraction angiography in diagnostic image quality and patient management decisions.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have made a breakthrough in understanding why some individuals may be predisposed to drug addiction. They found that certain changes in brain chemistry pre-date drug use and are linked to impulsivity. This discovery could lead to more targeted treatments for addiction with fewer side effects.
Research suggests that giving choline to infants after birth can improve their learning and behavior if they were exposed to alcohol during development. The study found that choline significantly reduced the severity of alcohol-related over-activity and spatial learning deficits in rats.
A study of 345 patients found that chronic dizziness was often caused by underlying psychiatric or neurologic conditions, with anxiety disorders accounting for 60% of cases. The research suggests that careful inquiry about key symptoms during evaluations can lead to more accurate diagnoses and targeted treatment recommendations.
A recent NIH study found that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is more sensitive than computed tomography (CT) in diagnosing acute ischemic stroke, the most common form of stroke. This can lead to better diagnosis and treatment for patients, with potential benefits including reduced misdiagnosis and improved patient outcomes.
Researchers discover a known mutation in the TGIF gene that causes Holoprosencephaly, a devastating brain disorder with lifelong effects. The study provides hope for detecting, preventing, and treating this rare condition through better understanding of fetal brain development.
A new study finds that reduced frontal-lobe activity and impulsivity are linked to an increased risk of developing alcoholism. The study, published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research, suggests that individuals with high impulsivity may be more vulnerable to excessive drinking and other disinhibitory disorders.
A Saint Louis University study found no link between cash settlements for work-related back injuries and future impairment. Disability ratings didn't strongly correlate with day-to-day function levels, raising questions about the validity and fairness of current disability determination programs.
A protein called NMNAT has been found to protect against nerve cell degeneration, with researchers discovering it plays a crucial role in maintaining neuronal health. The study, published in PLOS Biology, suggests that increasing NMNAT production could lead to the development of new treatments for diseases affecting the nervous system.
Researchers found lower levels of dopamine transporters in certain brain regions of ADHD patients compared to controls. ADHD patients experienced higher levels of inattention despite similar dopamine transporter levels, indicating a complex relationship between dopamine and attention.
Medicaid patients are less likely to receive recommended cardiac care, including short-term medications and invasive procedures. They also have higher in-hospital mortality rates and are less likely to receive recommended discharge care. The study suggests that system problems and biases may contribute to these disparities.
A version of a gene has been linked to autism in families where more than one child is affected. The variant, which impairs brain development, was found in people with autism spectrum disorders and their parents, but not in controls.
A University of New South Wales PhD student has discovered a way to measure brain waves to diagnose and monitor color perception diseases. The study found that brain activity patterns could be used to reveal the finest color discriminations individuals can make, potentially leading to a new visual health test.
Researchers found that prosopagnosia, or face blindness, can be inherited and affects the ability to recognize familiar faces. Those with the disorder use various strategies to cope, including recognizing people by voice or clothing, and often go unnoticed by physicians other than neurologists.
A recent genetic study discovered a link between beta-actin mutations and developmental brain disorders, including dystonia. The findings suggest that these mutations may play a wider role in a range of congenital diseases.
Youth with bipolar disorder show increased brain activity when rating hostile faces, indicating difficulty processing emotional cues. This finding may help refine diagnosis and understanding of the underlying brain mechanisms.
Researchers have identified 33 structural changes in the cerebral cortex of individuals with Williams syndrome, including asymmetry between left and right sides. The study's findings may provide insights into developmental brain disorders like autism by enabling scientists to quantify brain structure trends.
Researchers identified a new gene associated with Charcot-Marie Tooth disease, a rare inherited neurological disorder. This discovery may lead to better understanding of how nerves function and improved diagnostic possibilities for CMT sufferers.
NeuroRx will be published quarterly by Elsevier and focuses on therapy of neurological disorders, providing a multidisciplinary perspective. Scheduled topics include Neuropsychiatry, Pediatric Neurotherapeutics, and Proteomics, Genomics, Metabolomics.
A recent study suggests that self-perceived successful aging is more important than traditional markers of health, with optimism and social involvement being key indicators. Participants rated their own aging as successful despite high rates of physical illness and disabilities.
Researchers found significant brain volume enlargement in children with autism, particularly in white and gray matter, which affects the cerebral cortex responsible for thought, perception, and memory. The study suggests that this enlargement may begin as late as the first year of life, during the postnatal period.
Associate Professor Peter Dodd's team is using microarray analysis to study brain tissue from dead alcoholics, aiming to identify genes responsible for the damage. The research could lead to a better understanding of neurological diseases and potentially develop a drug to reduce alcohol dependence.
A study has identified a genetic mutation in the SEPT9 gene as the cause of HNA, a chronic pain syndrome characterized by recurring episodes of severe pain. The mutation affects protein filaments that provide internal scaffolding for cells, leading to abnormal cell division and nerve disorders.
Researchers found abnormal brain activity in the right half of the brain in people with congenital amusia, a condition affecting pitch perception. Training pitch discrimination abilities may be effective in children but not adults.
A Johns Hopkins University study reveals the brain's subconscious process of organizing images into a 'whole' even when focusing on only one part. The research, based on nerve cell recordings in macaque monkeys, suggests that the brain continuously organizes scenes, even when attending to small parts.
A team of researchers will use a comprehensive approach to tackle neuroblastoma, aiming to develop new treatments and potentially prevent the disease. The study will focus on understanding the molecular basis of neuroblastoma and identifying compounds that can inhibit cancer growth.
A study found that 46% of children with type 2 diabetes have a history of neuropsychiatric disease, highlighting the need for screening and scrutiny of medications. The researchers suggest that depression and other neuropsychiatric conditions may contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes.
Researchers found that dyslexic children struggle to ignore 'noise' and isolate relevant visual and auditory cues, leading to reading problems. This ability is crucial for learning to read, as it allows individuals to distinguish between sounds in words.
Dartmouth Medical School researchers have identified the enzymatic activity of Aprataxin, a gene associated with an early onset hereditary neurological disorder. This discovery may lead to improved treatment strategies for ataxia-oculomotor apraxia 1 by targeting specific protein substrates.
A limited study of 15 horses found that MLV vaccines consistently had lower fevers, no neurological disorders and less virus in nasal fluids. The horses were then exposed to the herpes virus after vaccination with either an MLV or inactivated vaccine.
Research reveals significant decreases in myelin lipid synthesis in mice with Canavan disease, suggesting a link between acetate deficiency and the disorder. The findings support the potential of acetate supplementation as a therapy for this devastating congenital disease.
Scientists reported progress in diagnosing youngest children through biomarkers and behavioral observations, allowing for early treatment. The study also highlighted the potential connection of cytokines to autism and identified endophenotypic traits associated with the condition.
A study suggests that CABG surgery may cause mild and transient cognitive changes in some patients, but these effects do not persist beyond three months. The authors argue that the procedure is improving and that the population undergoing surgery is becoming older and sicker, which may contribute to the observed cognitive deficits.
UF researchers discovered that high levels of phenylalanine in the brains of mice with PKU interfere with brain cell communication, leading to potential developmental delays and disorders. The findings may lead to new treatments for PKU and other neurological disorders.
A recent brain imaging study found that individuals at high risk for schizophrenia show altered neural activity in the prefrontal cortex, suggesting biological changes prior to disease onset. The study used fMRI scans to identify potential biomarkers of vulnerability, which could aid in early intervention and treatment.
Researchers have successfully treated an animal model of alpha-mannosidosis, a rare genetic disorder that causes severe mental retardation and skeletal abnormalities, with gene therapy. The treatment restored damaged neurons and improved brain function in cats with the disease.
A recent study at Yale University found that the ADHD medication Ritalin has a comparable impact on adolescents with reading disorder, improving brain activity levels. The research used functional magnetic resonance imaging to analyze brain function and revealed altered areas of activation in response to cognitive tasks.
Researchers at UCLA have found that children with Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome (CCHS) and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) share similar brain responses to breathlessness. The study suggests that the irregular brain mechanisms provoking CCHS may also underlie SIDS.
Researchers found that bretylium tosylate, an old antiarrhythmic drug, prevents arrhythmias and reduces heart muscle damage after AMI. Blocking the sympathetic nervous system may be a key factor in its effectiveness.
A genetic disorder, Williams syndrome, has been studied using brain imaging techniques to understand its impact on genes and cognition. The research found that the disorder affects the dorsal pathway of the visual cortex, leading to difficulties in visuospatial construction.
Researchers have identified a crucial function for microcephalin, a protein involved in primary microcephaly, a rare neurological disorder. The discovery links microcephalin's function to DNA damage responses that prevent cancer development, suggesting potential therapeutic applications.
Researchers found abnormalities in brain activity among people with normal IQs who have autism, indicating a deficiency in coordination among brain areas. The study proposes the underconnectivity theory, which suggests that autism is a distributed system-wide disorder limiting integration among brain areas.
A study found that adding aspirin to clopidogrel therapy increased the risk of intracranial and gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with a history of ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack. Despite this, combination therapy did not significantly reduce the primary outcome measure at 18 months.
Women with vulvodynia process pain differently, exhibiting lower pain tolerance at multiple sites throughout the body. The study suggests a neurological basis for the condition, recommending treatment aimed at central pain processing.