Journals
2025 EN
Caballero Tapia Antonio · Cheron Guy · Ristori Dominique
+2 more
ABSTRACT Sensory perception emerges from the integration of multiple inputs from different sensory modalities, a process previously attributed to higher‐order cortices. However, increasing evidence suggests that the primary visual cortex also processes nonvisual stimuli. Here, we investigated the response of the primary visual cortex to visual, auditory and somatosensory stimuli in awake, head‐fixed mice using evoked local field potentials, multi‐ and single‐unit recordings. Our results demonstrate that the primary visual cortex responds to auditory and somatosensory inputs with distinct frequency band modulations and firing rate patterns across monocular and binocular regions. Notably, somatosensory stimuli elicited the fastest response latencies, suggesting a privileged role in murine sensory processing. Auditory and somatosensory stimuli modulated the primary visual cortex activity similarly to contralateral visual inputs, whereas ipsilateral visual stimulation resulted in weaker responses. These findings indicate that the primary visual cortex is not solely dedicated to vision but also responds to auditory and somatosensory stimuli, supporting a potential role in multisensory processing.
Journals
2025 EN
Jurkiewicz Tristan · Lehingue Elsa · Formaglio Maïté
+4 more
ABSTRACT Alzheimer's disease ( AD ) manifests commonly as an amnestic syndrome (t AD ), but also as a rarer focal type, such as posterior cortical atrophy (PCA‐AD), which primarily impairs visuospatial functions. In addition to the brain atrophy, retinal degeneration has been demonstrated, associated with the accumulation of Ab and Tau protein in this tissue, which shares a common origin with the brain. Additionally, retrograde trans‐synaptic degeneration from the brain could affect the retina. We hypothesized that such dying‐back phenomenon would be more important in PCA‐ AD than in t AD and that this would be reflected on specific optical coherence tomography (OCT) measures. Twenty‐nine AD patients were categorized into 15 typical and 14 PCA forms. Complaints and symptoms were evaluated using a specific screening battery developed to detect PCA (Q‐ACP questionnaire, neuropsychological parietal and non‐parietal scales). Neuroimaging was performed to determine brain atrophy and its lateralization. OCT imaging allowed measuring the volumes of the macular ganglion cell layer (GCL) and the retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) of the optic nerve. While the global RNFL thickness and GCL volume were not statistically different, PCA‐ AD patients showed more thinning than tAD in the inferior temporal (IT) sector in both eyes. Moreover, the amount of thinning in this sector was correlated with the score on the Q‐ACP questionnaire and on the neuropsychological parietal scales. We propose that the thinning in the IT sector reflects the retrograde damage to the magnocellular pathway, which constitutes a major feed of the dorsal visual stream primarily damaged in PCA.
Journals
2025 EN
Banville Francis · Strydom Tanya · Blyth Penelope S. A.
+9 more
ABSTRACT Representing species interactions probabilistically as opposed to deterministically conveys uncertainties in our knowledge of interactions. The sources of uncertainty captured by interaction probabilities depend on the method used to evaluate them: uncertainty of predictive models, subjective assessment of experts, or empirical measurement of interaction spatiotemporal variability. However, guidelines for the estimation and documentation of probabilistic interaction data are lacking. This is concerning because our understanding of interaction probabilities depend on their sometimes elusive definition and uncertainty sources. We review how probabilistic interactions are defined at different spatial scales. These definitions are based on the distinction between the realisation of an interaction at a specific time and space (local networks) and its biological or ecological feasibility (metaweb). Using host–parasite interactions in Europe, we illustrate how these two network representations differ in their statistical properties, specifically: how local networks and metawebs differ in their spatial and temporal scaling of interactions. We present two approaches to inferring binary interactions from probabilistic ones that account for these differences and show that systematic biases arise when directly inferring local networks from metawebs. Our results underscore the importance of more rigorous descriptions of probabilistic species interactions that specify their conditional variables and uncertainty sources.
Journals
2025 EN
Scutelnic Adrian · Lüthi Andreas · Stöckli Isabelle Dominique
+13 more
ABSTRACT Introduction Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) is an important cause of headache that might require invasive treatment. The aim of this study was to systematically investigate (1) clinical presentation, (2) factors associated with incomplete headache resolution, and (3) the long‐term outcomes in patients with persistent headache after invasive treatment for SIH. Methods This is an observational longitudinal study. We used a structured questionnaire to assess details on primary headache, SIH‐headache, and headache after treatment. Persistent headache was defined as headache on more than 15 days per month lasting longer than 3 months. Results Fifty‐six patients invasively treated for SIH were included in the study. The mean age was 49 ± 12 years, and 60% were women. After sealing of the leak, 11/56 (20%) had persistent headache. Compared to subjects without persistent headache, patients with persistent headache had been treated after a longer delay from SIH symptom onset (362 days [IQR 138–714] vs. 111 [68–365]). In 2/11 (18%) patients, a second leak at another level and rebound intracranial hypertension were found, respectively. Medication overuse was reported by 3/11 (27%) patients. After a median follow‐up of 5 years, headache subsided completely in 4/11 (36%) patients and improved in 4/11 (36%). Conclusion In our cohort, one fifth of patients suffered from persistent headache despite successful sealing of the CSF leak. Although the majority of patients showed improvement in the long run, important secondary headaches should be considered, namely medication overuse, rebound hypertension, and a persistent, reopened, de novo or second leak at another level.
Journals
2025 EN
Rifino Nicola · Aamodt Anne Hege · Wiedmann Markus
+6 more
ABSTRACT Background Moyamoya angiopathy (MMA) is a rare, progressive cerebrovascular disorder characterized by stenosis or occlusion of the terminal internal carotid arteries, leading to the development of fragile collateral vessels. Headache is a common but understudied symptom of MMA, reported in up to 75% of patients. The headache phenotype often mimics migraine or tension‐type headache, although cluster headache‐like episodes have also been described. Aims to summarize current evidence on the clinical characteristics, underlying mechanisms, and treatment strategies for headache in MMA. Materials and Methods A narrative review of the literature was conducted, focusing on the prevalence, phenotype, pathophysiological mechanisms, and therapeutic options for headache in MMA. Results The pathogenesis of headache in MMA remains unclear but is likely multifactorial, involving impaired cerebrovascular autoregulation, microvascular ischemia, and collateral vessel development. No standardized treatment exists for MMA‐related headache. Antiplatelet therapy, particularly aspirin, may offer some benefit, whereas NSAIDs and triptans require caution due to cerebrovascular risks. Emerging therapies such as calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) inhibitors and Lasmiditan show potential but lack specific data in MMA patients. Surgical revascularization, mainly through direct or combined bypass, is an established intervention for stroke prevention and may also reduce headache burden. However, postoperative outcomes are heterogeneous, with reports of both headache improvement and new‐onset headache. Discussion and Conclusion Headache is a frequent and clinically relevant manifestation of MMA that significantly impacts quality of life. Evidence on optimal management remains scarce, and current strategies are largely empirical. Further studies are needed to clarify pathogenic mechanisms, refine patient selection for surgical interventions, and evaluate pharmacological treatments, including novel agents, to improve clinical outcomes.
Journals
2025 EN
Bruckhaus Alexander A. · Asifriyaz Tuba · Kriukova Kseniia
+7 more
Abstract This review systematically analyzes potential biomarker candidates for post‐traumatic epilepsy (PTE) in humans who have experienced moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Focusing on biomarkers across biofluid‐based protein, genetic, neuroimaging, and neurophysiological categories, this review distinguishes between TBI patients who develop PTE and those who do not. The review adheres to established methodologies outlined in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Data presentation follows the Meta‐analyses of Observational Studies (MOOSE) and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Medline, Embase, and Web of Science were systematically searched and yielded 7538 records, of which 18 met inclusion criteria (moderate–severe TBI in humans, follow‐up of at least 6 months, and no prior history of epilepsy). The review aggregates data from 15 cohort and 3 case–control studies (risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale). Statistically significant biomarkers were identified, with neurophysiological biomarkers showing the strongest effect size in a two‐study meta‐analysis. PTE, a severe long‐term outcome of TBI affecting 2% to 53% of individuals with TBI, lacks validated biomarkers for forecasting development, crucial for designing preventive clinical trials. A multimodal approach, integrating biofluid‐based protein, genetic, neuroimaging, and neurophysiological data, offers a promising strategy to enhance the predictability of PTE development and, potentially, its treatment. The study's protocol is registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews PROSPERO (Registration ID: CRD42023470245).
Journals
2025 EN
Magloire Vincent · Curtis Marco · Noebels Jeffrey
+7 more
Abstract Epilepsy affects approximately 1% of the population worldwide, and although medications are effective in the majority of cases, seizures persist in approximately 30% of patients. Despite the effort to develop new antiseizure drugs, the rate of pharmacoresistance in patients has not diminished over the past 3 decades. There is thus a real unmet need, and new approaches and therapeutic targets should be pursued. Seizures are caused by a change in neuronal excitability resulting in hyperexcitation and hypersynchronization of neurons, and modulating either intrinsic neuronal properties or synaptic transmission has been and still is the best way to reduce excitation and synchronization of the neuronal network. However, network excitability and synchronicity are also influenced by many extrasynaptic regulators. Extracellular diffusion of glutamate and γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) and activation of their extrasynaptic receptors also participate in the generation of a hyperexcitable environment. Interestingly, even without synaptic transmission, neuronal activity can synchronize and propagate throughout the network via gap junctions, extracellular potassium ionic diffusion, and electric fields. In this review, we will discuss the recent advances in our understanding of how different extrasynaptic signaling mechanisms influence neuronal excitability and whether they could be candidate therapeutic targets to treat refractory epilepsy. This review emanated from the XVII Workshop on Neurobiology of Epilepsy meeting (Kilkea, Ireland) organized in 2023 by the Neurobiology Commission of the International League Against Epilepsy.
Journals
2025 EN
Bédard Alexandra · Côté Marilou · Meilleur Dominique
+11 more
ABSTRACT Parental psychological distress and accommodating and enabling behaviors may represent maintaining factors of anorexia nervosa (AN). However, very few studies included both parents; their interdependence is unknown. Using a dyadic approach, this study aimed to examine the relationship between parental psychological distress and accommodation at the admission of their child to specialized eating disorder programs, and their observation of their child's eating disordered behaviors 1 year later. Ninety‐one dyads of mixed‐gender couples of parents of children and adolescents diagnosed with AN ( M age = 14.5 ± 1.5 years) were recruited from one of the five University Health Centers across the province of Québec, Canada. At admission, parents completed the Psychological Distress Index and the Accommodation and Enabling Scale for Eating Disorders. Furthermore, parents reported their child's anorexic behaviors 12 months later using the Anorexic Behavior Observation Scale. The dyads were nondistinguishable by gender, suggesting a similar pattern of associations for mothers and fathers. Path analyses guided by the actor–partner interdependence model revealed an indirect effect within each parent; higher parental psychological distress was associated with higher child's eating disordered behaviors at the 12‐month follow‐up through greater parental eating disorder accommodation. A partner effect was also found; when one parent experienced psychological distress, the other parent was more likely to engage in concomitant accommodating behaviors, which, in turn, was associated with a report of more child's eating disordered behaviors by this parent at the 12‐month follow‐up. These findings highlight the importance of a dyadic perspective in exploring parents' emotional states and behaviors toward children with AN.
Journals
2025 EN
Rodriguez Violeta J. · Zegarac Miriam C. · Brumbaugh Taylor S.
+3 more
Abstract Objective The study explores the associations among parental depressive symptoms, child symptoms of psychopathology, emotion socialization (ES), and parenting‐specific emotion regulation (ER) using a novel measure, the Regulating Emotions in Parenting Scale (REPS). Background There is a notable correlation between parental depressive symptoms and symptoms of psychopathology in children. Empirical studies have also observed a correlation in the intergenerational patterns of ER, as well as their relations to ES. Investigating these relations in nonclinical samples is vital for understanding these risk factors and how they relate to child mental health. Method The study sample was comprised of n = 315 mothers and fathers and used a cross‐sectional design. Assessments were conducted on parental depressive symptoms, child psychopathology, ES, and parenting‐specific ER (REPS). Results Our findings revealed that parental depressive symptoms were significantly associated with all ER strategies in the parenting context. These ER strategies, in turn, were related to unsupportive ES practices, which were further related to child psychopathology. Parenting‐specific ER strategies and parents' supportive ES had a significant indirect effect on the association between parental depressive symptoms and child psychopathology. However, only indirect effects through unsupportive ES and suppression and rumination were significant, not adaptive ER. Conclusions The study's cross‐sectional correlations provide support for the role of parenting‐specific ER as it relates to ES, parental, and child psychopathology. Implications Findings imply that how parents regulate their emotions during parenting significantly affects their ability to engage in supportive ES practices, but replication in a longitudinal framework is warranted.
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Journals
2025 EN
Silva Dominique Mesquita · Souza Lacerda Laís · Souza Andrioli Andrea
+6 more
ABSTRACT This review highlights the integration of drug repurposing and nanotechnology‐driven delivery strategies as innovative approaches to enhance the antifungal activity of statins against mucosal candidiasis, providing a framework for future translational research and clinical application. The rising prevalence of antifungal resistance and virulence factors of Candida albicans underscore the limitations of current therapies. Statins, commonly used as lipid‐lowering agents, have emerged as attractive repurposed drug candidates due to their ability to interfere with fungal ergosterol biosynthesis and Ras‐mediated signaling pathways. However, repurposed statins face major translational barriers, including poor water solubility, limited mucosal bioavailability, and dose‐dependent systemic toxicity. Nanotechnology‐driven delivery platforms offer versatile solutions to these challenges, enabling site‐directed delivery, improved stability, enhanced permeability, and controlled release. Lipid and polymeric nanocarriers, particularly chitosan‐based nanoparticles, enable controlled release and prolonged mucosal retention, making them suitable for localized antifungal therapy. This review explores the integration of statin repurposing with advanced drug delivery strategies as a novel therapeutic paradigm for mucosal candidiasis. Updated evidence demonstrating the antifungal potential of nano‐formulated statins is summarized, in conjunction with a general overview of design aspects relevant to optimizing delivery systems. Although still in early stages of investigation, this synergistic approach holds promise for overcoming resistance mechanisms and reducing the recurrence rates associated with existing antifungals. Ultimately, leveraging drug repurposing alongside nanotechnology may accelerate the translation of statin‐based antifungal therapies into clinical practice, providing an innovative and cost‐effective avenue to broaden the therapeutic arsenal against mucosal Candida infections.