Impaired Skills Research Articles

Striatal Dopamine Contributions to Skilled Motor Learning.

Coordinated multijoint limb and digit movements-"manual dexterity"-underlie both specialized skills (e.g., playing the piano) and more mundane tasks (e.g., tying shoelaces). Impairments in dexterous skill cause significant disability, as occurs with motor cortical injury, Parkinson's disease, and a range of other pathologies. Clinical observations, as well as basic investigations, suggest that corticostriatal circuits play a critical role in learning and performing dexterous skills. Furthermore, dopaminergic signaling in these regions is implicated in synaptic plasticity and motor learning. Nonetheless, the role of striatal dopamine signaling in skilled motor learning remains poorly understood. Here, we use fiber photometry paired with a genetically encoded dopamine sensor to investigate striatal dopamine release in both male and female mice as they learn and perform a skilled reaching task. Dopamine rapidly increases during a skilled reach and peaks near pellet consumption. In the dorsolateral striatum, dopamine dynamics are faster than in the dorsomedial and ventral striatum. Across training, as reaching performance improves, dopamine signaling shifts from pellet consumption to cues that predict pellet availability, particularly in medial and ventral areas of the striatum. Furthermore, performance prediction errors are present across the striatum, with reduced dopamine release after an unsuccessful reach. These findings show that dopamine dynamics during skilled motor behaviors change with learning and are differentially regulated across striatal subregions.

Metal toxicity exposure in Alzheimer's disease - literature review

Introduction and purpose: As the elderly population grows, the risk of cognitive decline and dementia increases. Environmental toxicants, including metals, have been identified as potential contributors to these conditions. This literature review investigated the potential contribution of metals, such as aluminium, lead, zinc and copper to Alzheimer's disease development.Material and methods: The literature was conducted using "Pub Med" and "Google Scholar" databases with the keywords "metals", "Alzheimer's disease", "aluminium", "lead", "neurodegenerative diseases", "copper".Brief description of the state of knowledge: Metals can negatively affect the functionality of the central nervous system, leading to impairments in behavior, motor skills, and cognitive abilities. The development of Alzheimer's disease can be influenced by several factors, including Aβ aggregates, tau tangles, synaptic dysfunction, inflammation, and oxidative stress, which may be worsened by interactions with these metals.Results and conclusions: Extensive research has shown a link between metal exposure and neurodegeneration. Understanding the role of metals like lead, copper, aluminum, and zinc in Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis remains crucial, but further investigation is needed. A better insight into the impact of metal exposure on brain health could help find the way for effective prevention and treatment strategies for neurodegenerative diseases.

An ensemble-based data assimilation system for forecasting variability of the Northwestern Pacific ocean

An adjoint-free four-dimensional variational (a4dVar) data assimilation (DA) is implemented in an operational ocean forecast system based on an eddy-resolving ocean general circulation model for the Northwestern Pacific. Validation of the system against independent observations demonstrates that fitting the model to time-dependent satellite altimetry during a 10-day DA window leads to substantial skill improvements in the succeeding 60-day hindcast. The a4dVar corrects representation of the Kuroshio path variation south of Japan by adjusting the dynamical balance between amplitude/wavelength of the meander and flow advection. A larger ensemble spread tends to reduce the skill in representing the observed sea surface height anomaly, suggesting that it is possible to use the ensemble information for quantifying the forecast error. The ensemble information is also utilized for modification of the background error covariance (BEC), which improves the accuracy of temperature and salinity distributions. The modified BEC yields the skill decline of the Kuroshio path variation during the 60-day hindcast period, and the ensemble sensitivity analysis shows that changes in the dynamical balance caused by the ensemble BEC result in such skill deterioration.

Differentiating Prodromal Dementia with Lewy Bodies from Prodromal Alzheimer's Disease: A Pragmatic Review for Clinicians.

This pragmatic review synthesises the current understanding of prodromal dementia with Lewy bodies (pDLB) and prodromal Alzheimer's disease (pAD), including clinical presentations, neuropsychological profiles, neuropsychiatric symptoms, biomarkers, and indications for disease management. The core clinical features of dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB)-parkinsonism, complex visual hallucinations, cognitive fluctuations, and REM sleep behaviour disorder are common prodromal symptoms. Supportive clinical features of pDLB include severe neuroleptic sensitivity, as well as autonomic and neuropsychiatric symptoms. The neuropsychological profile in mild cognitive impairment attributable to Lewy body pathology (MCI-LB) tends to include impairment in visuospatial skills and executive functioning, distinguishing it from MCI due to AD, which typically presents with impairment in memory. pDLB may present with cognitive impairment, psychiatric symptoms, and/or recurrent episodes of delirium, indicating that it is not necessarily synonymous with MCI-LB. Imaging, fluid and other biomarkers may play a crucial role in differentiating pDLB from pAD. The current MCI-LB criteria recognise low dopamine transporter uptake using positron emission tomography or single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), loss of REM atonia on polysomnography, and sympathetic cardiac denervation using meta-iodobenzylguanidine SPECT as indicative biomarkers with slowing of dominant frequency on EEG among others as supportive biomarkers. This review also highlights the emergence of fluid and skin-based biomarkers. There is little research evidence for the treatment of pDLB, but pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments for DLB may be discussed with patients. Non-pharmacological interventions such as diet, exercise, and cognitive stimulation may provide benefit, while evaluation and management of contributing factors like medications and sleep disturbances are vital. There is a need to expand research across diverse patient populations to address existing disparities in clinical trial participation. In conclusion, an early and accurate diagnosis of pDLB or pAD presents an opportunity for tailored interventions, improved healthcare outcomes, and enhanced quality of life for patients and care partners.

Optimizing Individual Wound Closure Practice Using Augmented Reality: A Randomized Controlled Study.

Background Suturing requires repeated practice with guidance to prevent skill deterioration; however, guidance is often limited by expert availability. There is evidence that augmented reality (AR) may assist procedural skill acquisition among learners. This study examines the use of an AR suture guidance application to assist the independent practice of suturing. Methodology A novel suture guidance application was designed for the Microsoft HoloLens. The guidance system included a calibration system and holograms that projected over a suture pad in a stepwise manner. To assess the application, 30 medical students were recruited and randomly assigned to two groups. The control group (n = 16) was given 30 minutes of independent suture practice, while the experimental group (n = 14) utilized the suture guidance application. Both groups completed a pre- and post-test wound closure assessment. After the post-test, the control group trialed the suture guidance application. All participants completed a feedback survey on the application. Statistical analysis was completed using Stata (StataCorp., College Station, TX, USA) with paired Student's t-tests and Welch's t-tests with a significance of 95%. Results Both groups demonstrated a significant improvement in total time and time per stitch during the post-test. Additionally, comparing pre- and post-test assessments in the experimental group revealed a significant improvement in the total number of stitches (p = 0.007), the ratio of bisecting stitches (p = 0.02), and the symmetry of stitch bite (p = 0.03). The feedback survey supported the application for guiding suture placement and spacing. Participants identified limitations in the hologram stability and neck positioning. Conclusions This study suggests the potential to use AR to facilitate the independent practice of wound closure within simulation environments.

Autism Spectrum Disorders: Etiology, Epidemiology, and Challenges for Public Health.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a growing public health problem. American psychiatrist Leo Kanner is considered the "father of autism." ASD encompasses a range of neurodevelopmental disorders that last throughout life. Symptoms of ASD include impairments in social skills, including specific repetitive behaviors, as well as abnormal sensory responses. The clinical symptoms of ASD vary among patients. Their severity also differs, both in the area of social communication and cognitive functioning. The etiology of ASD is still unclear, although a role is attributed to both genetic and environmental factors. According to the World Health Organization, 1/100 children have ASD, but these estimates vary depending on the methodology used. Nevertheless, early detection of ASD and initiation of appropriate therapy may be essential in the continued functioning of patients and their families. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of current knowledge about autism spectrum disorders. We discuss factors associated with autism and the prevalence of ASD in various parts of the world, and identify the most common diseases comorbid with ASD, pointing to limitations in the quality of life of patients with ASD and their families.

Feasibility of Using Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Test Biomarkers to Diagnose Alzheimer's Disease: Systematic Evaluation and Meta-Analysis.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia, resulting in impairments in memory, cognition, decision-making, and social skills. Thus, accurate preclinical diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease is paramount. The identification of biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease through magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) represents a novel adjunctive diagnostic approach. This study conducted a meta-analysis of the diagnostic results of this technology to explore its feasibility and accuracy. PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases were searched without restrictions, with the search period extending up to July 31, 2022. The search strategy employed a combination of subject headings and keywords. All retrieved documents underwent screening by two researchers, who selected them for meta-analysis. The included literature was analyzed using Review Manager 5.4 software, with corresponding bias maps, forest plots, and summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curves generated and analyzed. A total of 344 articles were retrieved initially, with 11 articles meeting the criteria for inclusion in the analysis. The analysis encompassed data from approximately 1766 patients. In the forest plot, both sensitivity (95% CI) and specificity (95% CI) approached 1. Examining the true positive rate, false positive rate, true negative rate, and false negative rate, all studies on the summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curve clustered in the upper left quadrant, suggesting a very high accuracy of biomarkers detected by MRS for diagnosing Alzheimer's disease. The detection of biomarkers by MRS demonstrates feasibility and high accuracy in diagnosing AD. This technology holds promise for widespread adoption in the clinical diagnosis of AD in the future.

Challenges of Sexuality Expression in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder

IntroductionSexuality, although an essential component of human health, remains a controversial topic shrouded in stigma, particularly in the context of neurodiversity, which includes autism spectrum disorder (ASD), where the expression of sexuality presents unique challenges. Autism and sexuality is a complex and multifaceted topic that involves understanding the unique ways in which individuals on the autism spectrum experience and express their sexuality.ObjectivesThe purpose of this work is to address the complexity of the biopsychosocial sexuality components of people with autism, promoting a shift in the medical perspective, societal attitudes, and supporting greater inclusion of these individuals in current discussions regarding this area of human behavior and experience.MethodsEvidence-based review, through research conducted on PubMed and selection of the most relevant studies on this topic, published in the last decade.ResultsSexuality in autism is now recognized as a normative and integral aspect of development and functioning. Existing research suggests that most individuals with ASD display a clear interest in sexuality and relationships, with a study reviling that 96% of the ASD sample expressed an interest in sexuality. Individuals with high autistic traits tended to identify themselves more times as bisexual or presented a sexuality not definable within the categories of heterosexual. The relationship between autism and gender dysphoria is an area of ongoing research and discussion. Studies have suggested a higher prevalence of gender diverse identities and experiences within the autism community compared to the general population. Various hypotheses have been proposed to explain the increased gender and sexual diversity among individuals with autism. People with ASD may face unique challenges when it comes to their sexuality. The impairments in social skills and communication central to ASD potentially impact an autistic individual’s expression and experience of sexuality by affecting their abilities to understand and interpret social cues, emotions, and nonverbal behaviors of others. Importantly, such individuals may be more vulnerable, as they may have different or even limited understanding of boundaries and consent. To address these challenges, it is important to acknowledge and respect the diversity of sexual experiences and desires among individuals with neuro(bio)logical differences. This can be done by providing accurate and inclusive sex education, creating safe spaces for such individuals to explore and express their sexuality, and working to address discrimination and abuse in intimate contexts.ConclusionsRecognizing and respecting this diversity and fostering inclusive and accepting environments, we can help individuals with neurological differences to fully express and explore their sexuality and have satisfying sexual lives.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Patients' perceptions of post-treatment factors that influenced skill use after cognitive-behavioral therapy for bulimia nervosa spectrum disorders.

Deterioration rate among patients with bulimia-spectrum eating disorders (BN-EDs) after receiving enhanced cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT-E) remains high. Previous studies identified body image concerns, environmental triggers, lack of social support, lack of resources, comorbidity, and discontinued skill use as predictors of deterioration. However, no studies have qualitatively explored patients' perceptions of how these factors influenced their skill use and led to deterioration after receiving outpatient CBT. This study aimed to qualitatively explore (1) what post-treatment factors patients believe contributed to deterioration, and (2) whether patients continued to practice the CBT skills they learned from treatment and identify motivators and barriers to post-treatment skill use. Twelve participants who had previously completed 16 sessions of CBT for their BN-EDs and experienced at least modest treatment responses participated in the qualitative interviews. Four themes were identified from the qualitative interviews. Post-treatment deterioration was primarily driven by decreased skill use due to a perceived sudden loss of accountability and continued body dissatisfaction after treatment ended. Discontinued practice of binge analysis led to decreased awareness of the relationship between poor skill use and ED behaviors. Difficulty accessing resources impeded participants from receiving external help to address challenges in skill practice, thus also contributing to deterioration. Findings suggested that outpatient treatment for BN-EDs patients should emphasize more on body image concern, and deterioration prevention for outpatient CBT-E should focus on building self-accountability to keep practicing skills after treatment ends. This study was the first to qualitatively explore post-treatment factors influencing skill use and deterioration in patients with bulimia-spectrum eating disorders after they completed outpatient CBT. Findings indicated that decreased skill use was a primary driver of post-treatment deterioration, and that relapse prevention for outpatient CBT for BN-EDs should focus on enhancing patients' self-accountability to continue practicing therapeutic skills independently after treatment ended.

The effect of child–parent relationship therapy‐based play support on parental stress and acceptance, and child behaviours in children who witness domestic violence: Randomized controlled study

AbstractIn domestic violence (DV), the deterioration of parental skills in mothers, increased stress levels and child behaviour issues are the most common problems. In DV, the way to cope with the difficulties encountered is to strengthen relationships within the family. In this study, we aimed to reduce maternal stress levels and problematic child behaviours and increase the child acceptance level in children who have witnessed domestic violence (WDV) with child–parent relationship therapy (CPRT). This study is a randomized controlled study with pretest–posttest intervention and control groups. In the study, 20 mothers were in the intervention group, and 18 were in the control group. A 10‐week CPRT‐focused training program was applied to the intervention group. After the training of the mothers in the intervention group was completed, 2‐h training on communication skills was given to the mothers in the control group. The data include parents' reports through three surveys: the Parenting Stress Index (PSI), the Parental Acceptance‐Rejection Parental Form (PAR) and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). In the study, it was determined in the group comparisons that the total scores of PSI, PAR and SDQ significantly reduced between the application and pre‐application terms for the intervention group (p < 0.05), and there was no significant difference in the control group (p > 0.05). The results highlight the benefits and importance of including both mothers and children in therapeutic interventions for children who have WDV, with particular emphasis on CPRT benefits.

Permanent deterioration of fine motor skills after the resection of tumors in the supplementary motor area

Supplementary motor area syndrome (SMAS) represents a common neurosurgical sequela. The incidence and time frame of its occurrence have yet to be characterized after surgery for brain tumors. We examined patients suffering from a brain tumor preoperatively, postoperatively, and during follow-up examinations after three months, including fine motor skills testing and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). 13 patients suffering from a tumor in the dorsal part of the superior frontal gyrus underwent preoperative, early postoperative, and 3-month follow-up testing of fine motor skills using the Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test (JHFT) and the Nine-Hole Peg Test (NHPT) consisting of 8 subtests for both upper extremities. They completed TMS for cortical motor function mapping. Test completion times (TCTs) were recorded and compared. No patient suffered from neurological deficits before surgery. On postoperative day one, we detected motor deficits in two patients, which remained clinically stable at a 3-month follow-up. Except for page-turning, every subtest indicated a significant worsening of function, reflected by longer TCTs (p < 0.05) in the postoperative examinations for the contralateral upper extremity (contralateral to the tumor manifestation). At 3-month follow-up examinations for the contralateral upper extremity, each subtest indicated significant worsening compared to the preoperative status despite improvement to the immediate postoperative level. We also detected significantly longer TCTs (p < 0.05) postoperatively in the ipsilateral upper extremity. This study suggests a long-term worsening of fine motor skills even three months after SMA tumor resection, indicating the necessity of targeted physical therapy for these patients.

Characterizing individual differences in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder: a descriptive study.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by a higher prevalence in male than in female participants. Recent studies have hypothesized the presence of different phenotypes in male and female participants with ASD. The present study aims to assess possible sex differences in cognitive and adaptive functioning, symptomatology of ASD, and psychopathological comorbidities in a large sample of children and adolescents with ASD. The study included a total of 2,146 children and adolescents diagnosed with ASD, comprising 1785 boys (mean age 7.12 ± 3.69 years) and 361 girls (mean age 6.25 ± 3.30 years). The age of the participants ranged from 1.35 to 19.05 years (mean age 9.98 ± 3.64). The study sought to include all children and adolescents diagnosed with Autism or ASD. Present results showed that girls with ASD had lower IQs than boys but similar adaptive functioning. The severity of symptoms of ASD was greater in boys than in girls, as were scores on psychopathological measures. With increasing age, boys with ASD showed greater impairment in social communication skills than girls and increased psychopathological comorbidities. Older girls showed fewer restricted and repetitive behaviors. Exploring phenotypic differences in children and adolescents with ASD fosters an understanding of subtle diagnostic facets that may go unrecognized, allowing for increasingly individualized and tailored interventions.

Sensory processing and engagement of autistic children in childhood routines

ABSTRACT: Background: Occupations constitute a foundation of human existence, however, the impairment of skills in processing sensory information can impact the engagement of children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Objective: to investigate the relationship between sensory processing and the engagement of autistic children with 2 to 5 years old in their routines. Method: a quantitative correlational study was carried out. Caregivers responses were collected through an online survey, employing a chain-referral sampling method with two questionnaires, the SPM-P (Sensory Processing Measure - Preschool - Home Form) and the CEQ (Children's Engagement Questionnaire). Results: a total of 56 respondent families [30 families with ASD children and 26 with typically developing (TD) children] were obtained. A correlation and multiple regression analysis identified that the final scores for sensory processing and engagement correlated inversely in ASD and TD children, and that ASD diagnosis and impaired Motor Planning and Ideas significantly reduced engagement, while higher age and schooling incresead it. Conclusion: we observed that the use of strategies that increase the child's engagement in their routines is essential to promote the acquisition of new skills for participation in daily life.

Deterioration of fine motor skills and functional disability in patients with moderate-to-advanced Parkinson disease: A longitudinal follow-up study

IntroductionParkinson disease (PD) caused substantially disability. The impairment of fine motor skills (FMSs) is correlated with the severity of functional disability (FD) cross-sectionally in people with PD (PwP). The present study investigated the decline in FMSs and the predictive value of baseline FMSs for the progression of FD. MethodsPeople with moderate-to-advanced PD who received two evaluations within 1–5 years were identified from the Taiwan Data Bank of Persons with Disability database. The World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0) was used to evaluate FD, and FMSs including pen-holding, buttoning, and knotting were assessed. ResultsOur study included 2,271 people with moderate-to-advanced PD. We observed annual progression of FD in each domain of the WHODAS 2.0, with no difference between the sexes. The most significant correlation between FD and FMSs was that of decline in buttoning ability and deterioration of summary WHODAS 2.0 scores. Deterioration in FD across all domains of WHODAS 2.0 was associated with at least one FMS. The extent of disability in all three types of FMS at baseline was also correlated with deterioration of motility. Additionally, baseline disability in buttoning was significantly correlated with cognitive decline, and disability in knotting was significantly associated with the progression of FD. ConclusionFMSs may be reliable markers for further FD, particularly in the areas of cognition, motility, and life activity. Because of the significant FD observed in people with moderate-to-advanced PD, the availability of predictors is essential for applying precautionary measures and providing appropriate treatment.

Forensic Psychiatric Patients' Experiences of Personal Recovery: A Wilsonian Concept Analysis.

Psychiatric patients' recovery processes have been studied rather extensively, and a relatively clear consensus on what recovery is already exists. We examined whether the personal recovery of forensic psychiatric patients varies from this definition. We conducted a concept analysis to assess the personal recovery of patients in forensic psychiatric hospitals based on 21 articles and then evaluated how our results compared with existing definitions on psychiatric and forensic recovery. On the basis of this comparison, we concluded that the personal recovery of forensic psychiatric patients does differ from that of other psychiatric patients. The recovery process of forensic psychiatric patients can be described through five themes: personal development and autonomy, social inclusion and normality, redemption and overcoming, future orientation and hope, and advancing process. The burden of a psychiatric disorder causes similar challenges, yet a criminal history and long hospitalization periods are distinctive issues for forensic patients, both of which can lead to severe alienation from society and deterioration of skills needed in life outside an institution. The results suggest that processing the criminal offense should be part of the care; furthermore, institutions should support forensic psychiatric patients in their reintegration into society and personal development. Identifying special recovery challenges can be useful when designing effective care and promoting the recovery of forensic patients. Thus, our results suggest that certain features of forensic psychiatric patients' recovery should be considered when planning their psychiatric care.

Nose-to-Brain Targeted Delivery of Donepezil Hydrochloride via Novel Hyaluronic Acid-Doped Nanotransfersomes for Alzheimer's Disease Mitigation

Alzheimer's disease is the most serious neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive and memorial defects alongside deterioration in behavioral, thinking and social skills. Donepezil hydrochloride (DPZ) is one of the current two FDA-approved cholinesterase inhibitors used for the management of Alzheimer's disease. The current study aimed to formulate hyaluronic acid-coated transfersomes containing DPZ (DPZ-HA-TFS) for brain delivery through the intranasal pathway to surpass its oral-correlated GIT side effects. DPZ-HA-TFS were produced using a thin film hydration method and optimized with a 24 factorial design. The influence of formulation parameters on vesicle diameter, entrapment, cumulative release after 8 h, and ex vivo nasal diffusion after 24 h was studied. The optimal formulation was then evaluated for morphology, stability, histopathology and in vivo biodistribution studies. The optimized DPZ-HA-TFS formulation elicited an acceptable vesicle size (227.5 nm) with 75.83% entrapment efficiency, 37.94% cumulative release after 8 h, 547.49 µg/cm2 permeated through nasal mucosa after 24 h and adequate stability. Histopathological analysis revealed that the formulated DPZ-HA-TFS was nontoxic and tolerable for intranasal delivery. Intranasally administered DPZ-HA-TFS manifested significantly superior values for drug targeting index (5.08), drug targeting efficiency (508.25%) and direct nose-to-brain transport percentage (80.32%). DPZ-HA-TFS might be deemed as a promising intranasal nano-cargo for DPZ cerebral delivery to tackle Alzheimer's disease safely, steadily and in a non-invasive long-term pattern.

Relationship between sensory processing patterns and gross motor function of children and adolescents with Down syndrome and typical development: a cross-sectional study.

Children and adolescents with Down syndrome (DS) may experience impairments in sensory and motor skills that can be interrelated. The purposes of this study were (i) to compare the sensory processing patterns and gross motor function between children and adolescents with DS and with typical development (TD) and (ii) to explore associations between these areas in both DS and TD groups. This cross-sectional study involved a sample size of 25 participants with DS (mean age 10.24±2.04years) and 25 participants with TD (mean age 10.04±2.82years). The sensory processing patterns were assessed using the Sensory Profile Second Version questionnaire, and the gross motor function was measured with the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-88) dimensions (D) standing, and (E) walking, running, and jumping. Differences between groups were tested using the Mann-Whitney test, and the relationship between the variables was examined using Spearman's correlation tests, with a significance level set at 5%. Children with DS showed greater difficulties with sensory processing than TD children in Seeker (P<0.001), Avoider (P<0.001), Sensitivity (P<0.001), Registration (P<0.001), Auditory (P<0.001), Touch (P=0.001), Movements (P=0.001), Oral (P=0.028), Conduct (P=0.005), Socioemotional (P<0.001), and Attentional (P<0.001) domains. Additionally, children with DS presented lower gross motor function than TD in GMFM-88, standing (P<0.001) and walking, running, and jumping (P<0.001). Correlations were found between greater difficulties with sensory processing in Touch and lower gross motor function in walking, running, and jumping for the DS group. Our results suggest there are more difficulties in sensory processing patterns and gross motor function in children with DS than in TD. Also, there is a single association between more difficulties in sensory processing and less well-developed motor function in the DS group. Therefore, a comprehensive assessment of all these aspects should be performed in children and adolescents with DS, along with the provision of relevant interventions addressing specific needs.

Antioxidant and anti-Alzheimer's potential of Tetragonisca angustula (Jataí) stingless bee pollen

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is considered the leading cause of dementia in the elderly worldwide. It results in progressive memory loss and impairment of cognitive and motor skills, leading to a high degree of disability and dependence. The development of AD is associated with the accumulation of senile plaques in the brain, caused by the amyloidogenic pathway of the disease. Several genetic and biochemical events are linked to AD development, with oxidative stress being one of them. Due to the scarcity of drugs aimed at treating AD, antioxidant compounds are increasingly studied as therapeutic targets for the disease. In this study, we investigate the antioxidant and anti-Alzheimer potential of the Tetragonisca angustula (Jataí) pollen extract in a Drosophila melanogaster Alzheimer's model. For this purpose, we utilized a D. melanogaster AD-like model, which expresses genes related to the amyloidogenic pathway of Alzheimer's disease. We explored the floral origin of the collected pollen, conducted phytochemical prospecting, and evaluated its antioxidant capacity in vitro. In vivo experiments involved assessing the survival and climbing ability of the D. melanogaster AD-like model with various concentrations of the pollen extract. Our findings revealed that the pollen extract of Tetragonisca angustula exhibits a significant antioxidant response and high concentrations of important phytochemicals, such as flavonoids and polyphenols. Furthermore, it enhanced the survival rate of D. melanogaster, and across all concentrations tested, it improved the climbing ability of the flies after 15 days of treatment with methanolic pollen extract. Additionally, the pollen extract reduced the neurodegeneration index in histopathological analysis. Thus, our study demonstrates the potential of Tetragonisca angustula pollen as an important subject for further investigation, aiming to isolate molecules that could potentially serve as therapeutic targets for Alzheimer's disease.

Multimodal Neuroimaging based Alzheimer's Disease Diagnosis using Evolutionary RVFL Classifier.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most known causes of dementia which can be characterized by continuous deterioration in the cognitive skills of elderly people. It is a non-reversible disorder that can only be cured if detected early, which is known as mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The most common biomarkers to diagnose AD are structural atrophy and accumulation of plaques and tangles, which can be detected using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) scans. Therefore, the present paper proposes wavelet transform-based multimodality fusion of MRI and PET scans to incorporate structural and metabolic information for the early detection of this life-taking neurodegenerative disease. Further, the deep learning model, ResNet-50, extracts the fused images' features. The random vector functional link (RVFL) with only one hidden layer is used to classify the extracted features. The weights and biases of the original RVFL network are being optimized by using an evolutionary algorithm to get optimum accuracy. All the experiments and comparisons are performed over the publicly available Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) dataset to demonstrate the suggested algorithm's efficacy.

Motor and process skills of people with parkinson's disease compared to healthy older adults. A cross-sectional study.

Both Parkinson's disease (PD) and the process of ageing are associated with functional limitations. The aim of this study was to determine the differences in motor and process skills between individuals with PD and healthy older adults, as well as to observe how disease progression affects motor and process skills performance in PD patients. A cross-sectional study was conducted. The Assessment of Motor and Process Skills (AMPS) measure was employed in order to analyze the differences in the motor and process skills of daily tasks in people with PD and healthy older adults age- and sex-matched. Part III of the Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), the Hoehn and Yahr (HY) scale and the Schwab & England scale was administered to determine the severity of the disease. Seventy participants (49 patients with PD and 21 healthy older adults) were recruited for this study. Our results showed that even at moderate stages of the disease, both motor and process skills were found deteriorated in PD patients more than older healthy older adults (p < 0.001). As PD progresses, motor and process skills present significantly deterioration. PD leads to a greater deterioration in motor and process skills compared to healthy older adults. As disease stages advance according to the HY scale, performance in motor and process skills deteriorates significantly between moderate and advanced PD stages. According to the AMPS scale, PD patients show no impairment of processing skills up to HY IV, but motor impairment at HY stages II, III and IV.