Neuroscience
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Iron is one of the crucial elements for CNS development and function and its deficiency (ID) is the most common worldwide nutrient deficit in the world. Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in pregnant women and infants is a worldwide health problem due to its high prevalence and its irreversible long-lasting effects on brain development. Even with iron supplementation, IDA during pregnancy and/or breastfeeding can result in irreversible cognitive, motor, and behavioral impairments. ⋯ This review summarizes the potential effects of ID/IDA on brain development, myelination and neuronal function and discusses the role of NVU cells in iron metabolism, BBB, vasculogenesis/angiogenesis, neurovascular coupling and metabolic waste clearance. Furthermore, it emphasizes the need to view the NVU as a whole and as a potential target for ID/IDA. However, it remains unclear to what extent NVU alterations contribute to neuronal dysfunction, myelination abnormalities, and synaptic disturbances described in IDA.
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Uremic pruritus (UP) significantly compromises the quality of life in patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing peritoneal dialysis. Although the precise pathophysiological mechanisms of UP remain elusive, the thalamus, which is integral to processing sensory information, is potentially implicated in its development. This study aimed to investigate alterations in the structure and resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) of thalamic subregions in patients with UP. ⋯ The decreased volume of thalamic subregions and rsFC were closely associated with UP severity. It was found that the volume of R_Stha directly influences the severity of pruritus in UP patients, but this effect does not manifest through rsFC between R_Stha and left supplementary motor area or left paracentral lobule. Patients with UP exhibited changes in structural and functional connectivity within specific thalamic subregions, providing neuroimaging insights into the neural mechanisms of UP.
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Psychogenic erectile dysfunction (pED) is often accompanied by abnormal brain activities. This study aimed to develop an automaticclassifier to distinguish pED from healthy controls (HCs) by identified brain-basedcharacteristics. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data were acquired from 45 pED patients and 43 HCs. ⋯ This study identified altered regional activity and FC in specific brain regions of pED patients, which might be related to the development of pED. The application of machine learning confirmed the distinctive characteristics of these functional changes in the brain. The high accuracy of our diagnostic model suggested a promising direction for developing objective diagnostic tools for psychological disorders.
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Peripheral optogenetics is an emerging neuromodulation technique that regulates the activity of the nervous system outside the brain through the expression of photosensitive proteins and the application of photic stimulation. This article reviews recent advances in applying optogenetics to the spinal cord and peripheral nerves, offering a comprehensive understanding of the functions and regulatory mechanisms of the peripheral nervous system through the modulation of specific neuronal activities. ⋯ Despite current challenges, such as operability, effectiveness, and selective neuron targeting, peripheral optogenetics holds significant potential for advancing neuromodulation. Continued research and technological innovations will further expand its role, offering new possibilities for understanding and treating disorders involving the peripheral nervous system.
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This study investigates the neural and physiological mechanisms underlying External Referent Decision Awareness (ERDA) within organizational contexts, focusing on hierarchical roles (Head, Peer, Staff). Twenty-two professionals participated, and electroencephalographic (EEG frequency band: Delta, Theta, Alpha, Beta, Gamma) and autonomic indices (skin conductance and cardiovascular indices) were recorded, while personality traits and decision-making styles were assessed. Results revealed higher Delta and Theta activation in the left temporo-parietal junction (TPJ) during Peer-related decisions, reflecting increased social cognition and ambiguity regulation in those contexts. ⋯ The findings revealed a significant negative correlation between avoidant decision-making styles and the neural and behavioral evaluations of leader decisions, suggesting reduced engagement of neurocognitive systems involved in reward processing and evaluative judgment in individuals with a tendency to avoid decision-making. Additionally, higher extraversion correlated with more favorable evaluations of decisions made by Staff, potentially indicating greater activation in neural circuits associated with social reward and group dynamics. In conclusion, these findings suggest that neural activity and personality traits interact to shape hierarchical decision-making awareness, highlighting the need for tailored leadership and decision-making strategies in organizations.