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Clin. Transl. Neurosci., Volume 8, Issue 2 (June 2024) – 9 articles

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45 pages, 356 KiB  
Conference Report
Abstracts of the Joint Annual Meeting 2024 of the Swiss Society of Neurosurgery (SSNS) and the Swiss Society of Neuroradiology (SSNR) Together with the Association of Neurosurgical Nursing Staff Switzerland
by Swiss Society of Neurosurgery (SSNS) and Swiss Society of Neuroradiology (SSNR)
Clin. Transl. Neurosci. 2024, 8(2), 24; https://doi.org/10.3390/ctn8020024 - 18 Jun 2024
Viewed by 869
Abstract
Main Topic: Artificial Intelligence and Digitalization: Applications to Neurosurgery and Neuroradiology. On behalf of the SSNS and SSNR, we are pleased to present the Abstracts of the Joint Annual Meeting, which is held at the Congress Kursaal Interlaken, Switzerland, 20–21 June 2024. In [...] Read more.
Main Topic: Artificial Intelligence and Digitalization: Applications to Neurosurgery and Neuroradiology. On behalf of the SSNS and SSNR, we are pleased to present the Abstracts of the Joint Annual Meeting, which is held at the Congress Kursaal Interlaken, Switzerland, 20–21 June 2024. In total, 62 abstracts were selected, of which 19 abstracts are oral presentations and 43 abstracts are for ePoster. We congratulate all the presenters on their research work and contribution. Full article
8 pages, 1079 KiB  
Review
“Glymphatic” Neurodegeneration: Is Sleep the Missing Key?
by Luigi Ferini-Strambi and Maria Salsone
Clin. Transl. Neurosci. 2024, 8(2), 23; https://doi.org/10.3390/ctn8020023 - 7 Jun 2024
Viewed by 1542
Abstract
Robust evidence suggests that the glymphatic system plays a key role in preserving brain health. Indeed, its activity in maintaining homeostasis by clearing neurotoxic proteins such as beta-amyloid from the human brain is essential. Sleep represents the factor that mainly influences this system, [...] Read more.
Robust evidence suggests that the glymphatic system plays a key role in preserving brain health. Indeed, its activity in maintaining homeostasis by clearing neurotoxic proteins such as beta-amyloid from the human brain is essential. Sleep represents the factor that mainly influences this system, since it is selectively active during the night, in particular during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. This is true, since the sleep head position, in particular the supine position for its relationship to the status of opening/closing of the jugular veins, appears to be determinant for the development of future neurodegeneration. Growing evidence from human and animal models highlights the neurobiological link between sleep, glymphatic dysfunction and neurodegeneration. On the other hand, several modifiable factors have been recently identified modulating (improve/reduce) glymphatic system activity, such as Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, stress, hypertension, physical activity, alcohol, gender and genetic predisposition, in particular variants of aquaporin-4 (AQP4). From this viewpoint, our ambition is to discuss how the glymphatic system works in the brain, what factors mainly impact on this activity and its strict relation with the neurodegeneration. Future directions might include the analysis of factors modulating glymphatic system activity and a personalized glymphatic profile, “glymphatom”, as a natural target for preventive neurodegenerative treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sleep–Wake Medicine)
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62 pages, 446 KiB  
Conference Report
Abstracts of the 2024 Annual Meeting of the Swiss Neurological Society (SNS): Quo Vadis Neuroinflammation? From Pathophysiologic Advances to Novel Treatment Strategies
by Swiss Neurological Society (SNS)
Clin. Transl. Neurosci. 2024, 8(2), 22; https://doi.org/10.3390/ctn8020022 - 5 Jun 2024
Viewed by 977
Abstract
On behalf of the SNS, we are pleased to present the Abstracts of the Annual Meeting which is held at the Congress Center in Basel, Switzerland, from 6–7 June 2024. In total, 83 abstracts were selected, whereof we include 8 abstracts for the [...] Read more.
On behalf of the SNS, we are pleased to present the Abstracts of the Annual Meeting which is held at the Congress Center in Basel, Switzerland, from 6–7 June 2024. In total, 83 abstracts were selected, whereof we include 8 abstracts for the Plenary Sessions, 6 abstracts for the SAYN GemSession, 30 abstracts for Poster flash presentations, and 39 abstracts as ePosters. We congratulate all the presenters on their research work and contributions. Full article
19 pages, 1977 KiB  
Review
How Adversarial REM Dreams May Facilitate Creativity, and Why We Become Aware of Them
by Nicolas Deperrois, Mihai A. Petrovici, Jakob Jordan, Lukas S. Huber and Walter Senn
Clin. Transl. Neurosci. 2024, 8(2), 21; https://doi.org/10.3390/ctn8020021 - 31 May 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 968
Abstract
The importance of sleep for healthy brain function is widely acknowledged. However, it remains unclear how the internal generation of dreams might facilitate cognitive processes. In this perspective, we review a computational approach inspired by artificial intelligence that proposes a framework for how [...] Read more.
The importance of sleep for healthy brain function is widely acknowledged. However, it remains unclear how the internal generation of dreams might facilitate cognitive processes. In this perspective, we review a computational approach inspired by artificial intelligence that proposes a framework for how dreams occurring during rapid-eye-movement (REM) sleep can contribute to learning and creativity. In this framework, REM dreams are characterized by an adversarial process that, against the dream reality, tells a discriminator network to classify the internally created sensory activity as real. Such an adversarial dreaming process is shown to facilitate the emergence of real-world semantic representations in higher cortical areas. We further discuss the potential contributions of adversarial dreaming beyond learning, such as balancing fantastic and realistic dream elements and facilitating the occurrence of creative insights. We characterize non-REM (NREM) dreams, where a single hippocampal memory is replayed at a time, as serving the complementary role of improving the robustness of cortical representations to environmental perturbations. We finally explain how subjects can become aware of the adversarial REM dreams, but less of the NREM dreams, and how content- and state-awareness in wake, dream, and lucid dreaming may appear. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sleep–Wake Medicine)
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13 pages, 299 KiB  
Study Protocol
The Supplementation Therapy in Autism and Response to Treatment (START) Study: An Open-Label Feasibility Trial of Ultramicronized Palmitoylethanolamide Potential to Alleviate Psychic Distress among Autistic Adults
by Riccardo Bortoletto, Marta Basaldella, Anna Candolo, Marco Garzitto, Carla Comacchio, Francesco Curcio, Martina Fabris, Stefano Fornasaro, Fabiana Piscitelli, Orietta Sepulcri, Matteo Balestrieri and Marco Colizzi
Clin. Transl. Neurosci. 2024, 8(2), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/ctn8020020 - 29 May 2024
Viewed by 1291
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by impaired social communication and restricted or repetitive behavior and interests. Psychic distress is common among individuals with ASD, especially in its milder form (level 1), with anxiety and depression being the most [...] Read more.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by impaired social communication and restricted or repetitive behavior and interests. Psychic distress is common among individuals with ASD, especially in its milder form (level 1), with anxiety and depression being the most common types. Recent research has identified neuroinflammation and gut dysbiosis as potential neurobiological mechanisms underlying ASD. Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), an endocannabinoid (eCB)-like compound, has shown promise in modulating such mechanisms and may thus have therapeutic implications for ASD. To date, no clinical trial has evaluated the efficacy of PEA in adults with ASD. This 12-week open-label study will assess the feasibility, tolerability, safety, and efficacy of ultramicronized PEA (um-PEA) in treating symptoms of psychic distress, such as anxiety and depression, in adults with level 1 ASD. Secondary research endpoints will include um-PEA’s effects on levels of personal autonomy and neurocognitive and interpersonal function. From a biological point of view, this study will assess um-PEA’s effects on inflammatory markers, the metabolic profile, eCB system modulation, and microbial composition as potential mechanisms of action for its therapeutic effect. In conclusion, this study will investigate a novel approach to the treatment of adults presenting with psychic distress in the context of level 1 ASD. The results may provide valuable insight into the use of um-PEA as a treatment option for ASD adults, addressing a significant unmet clinical need. Full article
6 pages, 1606 KiB  
Communication
The International Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) in Sleep Medicine of the Universities of Bern and Svizzera Italiana
by Claudio L. A. Bassetti, Felicitas Sohm, Antoine Adamantidis, Kaspar Schindler, Fabrizio Barazzoni and Mauro Manconi
Clin. Transl. Neurosci. 2024, 8(2), 19; https://doi.org/10.3390/ctn8020019 - 10 Apr 2024
Viewed by 1470
Abstract
Introduction: Sleep–wake circadian disorders (SWCDs) are very frequent and linked to major negative effects on the body, mental health, the brain, and on occupational and societal health. The prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of SWCDs and the promotion of sleep health require the sufficient [...] Read more.
Introduction: Sleep–wake circadian disorders (SWCDs) are very frequent and linked to major negative effects on the body, mental health, the brain, and on occupational and societal health. The prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of SWCDs and the promotion of sleep health require the sufficient education of general practitioners, specialists, and other health professionals. Unfortunately, education at pre- and postgraduate level is insufficient in most countries across the world. Aims and methods: This article describes the historical context, basic considerations, and methodological approach for the creation of the International Postgraduate Sleep Master by the University of Bern and Svizzera Italiana. Results: The postgraduate Master, which was launched in 2017, is a part-time, flexible course, taken over 2 ½ years, which targets health professionals, scientists, and technicians. After an initial introduction, which is the same for everybody (“common trunk”), the course can be individualized. The 12 modules of the Master include online lectures, schools, internships in a sleep center (in one of our 15 partner universities), case discussions and interactive sessions with students and internationally recognized experts from over 20 countries across the world, and culminates with a Master thesis. The program covers sleep–wake circadian biology; the management of SWCDs; disturbances of consciousness and sleep-related epilepsies; novel approaches in sleep medicine (e.g., clinical trials, telemedicine, data science, artificial intelligence); and topics of increasing relevance (e.g., neurodegenerative disorders, gender and diversity, sleep health, new technologies, artificial intelligence, professional and societal implications). Students are encouraged to also take “crash courses” in preparation for the national, European, and World sleep examinations. Conclusion: The Postgraduate University Sleep Master of the Universities of Bern and Svizzera Italiana offers a unique part-time, (mainly) virtual opportunity to acquire state-of the art knowledge, skills, and professional experiences to prepare for a clinical or scientific career in sleep medicine for physicians, scientists, and other health professionals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sleep–Wake Medicine)
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13 pages, 1232 KiB  
Article
Comparison of Aneurysmal and Non-Aneurysmal Spontaneous Cervical Artery Dissections in a Large Multicenter Cohort
by Valentin K. Steinsiepe, Hakan Sarikaya, Pasquale R. Mordasini, Susanne Wegener, Corinne Inauen, Philipp Baumgartner, Simon Jung, Kateryna Antonenko, Urs Fischer, Jan Gralla, Roza M. Umarova, Barbara Goeggel Simonetti, Constance J. H. C. M. van Laarhoven, Gert J. de Borst, Hugues Chabriat, Mirjam R. Heldner and Marcel Arnold
Clin. Transl. Neurosci. 2024, 8(2), 18; https://doi.org/10.3390/ctn8020018 - 6 Apr 2024
Viewed by 1241
Abstract
Dissecting aneurysms in patients with spontaneous cervical artery dissections have, so far, been reported as “benign”, but more specific information is scarce. We aimed to elucidate (1) vascular risk factors, (2) local and ischemic symptoms, and (3) long-term prognosis compared to non-aneurysmal dissections. [...] Read more.
Dissecting aneurysms in patients with spontaneous cervical artery dissections have, so far, been reported as “benign”, but more specific information is scarce. We aimed to elucidate (1) vascular risk factors, (2) local and ischemic symptoms, and (3) long-term prognosis compared to non-aneurysmal dissections. This case–control study included consecutive patients with spontaneous cervical artery dissection from three university hospitals in Switzerland and France, evaluated at baseline and at 3 months. In addition, further follow-ups were performed at the discretion of the treating physician. Dissecting aneurysms were diagnosed with duplex sonography, magnetic resonance angiography, and/or digital subtraction angiography. Of 1012 patients, 151 (14.9%) presented with 167 dissecting aneurysms at baseline (n = 103) or follow-up (n = 64). The median follow-up was 24.9 months (IQR: 6.8–60.8). Compared to patients without a dissecting aneurysm there were no significant differences in the vascular risk factors or local symptoms (91.4 vs. 89.8%). Ischemic strokes at baseline were less common (29.1% vs. 54.4%; OR: 0.41; 95% CI: 0.28–0.60) in patients with a dissecting aneurysm, even after correction for the degree of stenosis of the dissected arteries (OR: 0.53; 95% CI: 0.34–0.81). Patients with a dissecting aneurysm more often had a favorable clinical outcome (modified Rankin Scale Score of 0–1) at 3 months (80.6% vs. 54.5%). There was no significant difference in recurrent cerebrovascular events at 3 months or overall. The lower rate of ischemic strokes at baseline may reflect a different pathogenic mechanism, such as a smaller initial tear in the vessel wall or an increased vessel caliber from an early or primary intramural hematoma with a different shape. Full article
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9 pages, 821 KiB  
Article
Foam Cells Analysis from Retrieved Stroke Clot for the Identification of Atherothrombotic Etiology
by Fabrizio Giammello, Antonio Ciacciarelli, Domenico Cosenza, Santi Galletta, Valeria Barresi, Paolino La Spina, Maria Carolina Fazio, Jolanda De Caro, Masina Cotroneo, Cristina Dell’Aera, Francesco Grillo, Serena Ammendola, Agostino Tessitore, Sergio Lucio Vinci, Rosa Fortunata Musolino, Carmela Casella and Antonio Toscano
Clin. Transl. Neurosci. 2024, 8(2), 17; https://doi.org/10.3390/ctn8020017 - 5 Apr 2024
Viewed by 1314
Abstract
Background: In atherothrombotic acute ischemic stroke (AIS), when the atheroma breaks down, the clot can incorporate foam cells (FCs). The identification of the correct etiology is paramount for secondary stroke prevention. This study aims to evaluate the presence of the FC in [...] Read more.
Background: In atherothrombotic acute ischemic stroke (AIS), when the atheroma breaks down, the clot can incorporate foam cells (FCs). The identification of the correct etiology is paramount for secondary stroke prevention. This study aims to evaluate the presence of the FC in the arterial clot, and to determine whether patients with FCs and patients without FCs (NFCs) had different cerebrovascular risk factors, haemato-chemical parameters, and atherosclerotic disease incidence, in order to predict the etiological diagnosis. Methods: We collected 100 clots retrieved by mechanical thrombectomy from 495 consecutive AIS patients with large vessel occlusion. An expert pathologist evaluated the FC presence by histological examination stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Results: We observed FCs in 29/100 (29%) of retrieved clots and divided the patients into two groups, with/without FCs. The two groups had similar clinical and laboratory features, with a discrepancy between the FC presence in the clot and the clinical etiological diagnosis, even if not statistically significant. Conclusions: Our study showed the presence of FCs in approximately one-third of the retrieved clots, but the identification of the clot that presumably comes from the atheromatous plaque rupture tended to disagree with the clinical diagnosis. Future studies may reveal their potential to disclose clot origin or specific patient characteristics, guiding treatment options. Full article
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7 pages, 2909 KiB  
Case Report
Creutzfeldt–Jakob Disease Associated with E200K Mutation and SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Pure Coincidence or Neurodegenerative Acceleration?
by Elisa Colaizzo, Luca Prosperini, Antonio Petrucci and Alessia Perna
Clin. Transl. Neurosci. 2024, 8(2), 16; https://doi.org/10.3390/ctn8020016 - 26 Mar 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 5106
Abstract
Several recent studies reported on some patients developing Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (CJD) following coronavirus disease 2019, but, to the best of our knowledge, this case is the first reported in Italy on an onset of a CJD genetic form (gCJD) immediately after COVID-19 infection. [...] Read more.
Several recent studies reported on some patients developing Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (CJD) following coronavirus disease 2019, but, to the best of our knowledge, this case is the first reported in Italy on an onset of a CJD genetic form (gCJD) immediately after COVID-19 infection. We present a 51-year-old woman with a positive family history for CJD, who, two months after a mild SARS-CoV-2 infection, presented a rapidly progressing dementia diagnosed as CJD through clinical features, imaging, electroencephalography, and cerebrospinal fluid analysis. Genetic testing revealed the E200K mutation (p.Glu200Lys) c.598G>A, with homozygosity for methionine (MET) at codon 129, thus confirming the diagnosis of Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease. She passed away two months later. Interestingly, our case confirms that homozygous E200K gCJD patients are characterized by a relatively younger age of onset; moreover, it also sheds light on the neurodegeneration underlying both prion diseases and COVID-19 infection. In our opinion, the rising global prevalence of neurodegenerative complications following COVID-19 disease adds urgency to the study of this potential relationship, mostly in elderly patients who may experience worse long-lasting outcomes systemically and within the nervous system. Full article
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