Neural Elements Research Articles

NeuFENet: neural finite element solutions with theoretical bounds for parametric PDEs

NeuFENet: neural finite element solutions with theoretical bounds for parametric PDEs

A Systematic Review: Exercise Based Approaches to Activate Central Pattern Generator in Spinal Cord Injury Survivors

<i>Background: </i>Locomotion is a basic motor act which is essential for the survival of humans. The basic muscle synergies which are responsible for body propulsion are generated by the neurons in spinal cord collectively known as Central Pattern Generator for Locomotion. Spinal Cord is the major conduit for the transmission of information between brain and the rest of the body. Injury to the spinal cord is the insult to the neural elements of the spinal canal from foramen magnum to cauda equina. SCIs are heterogeneous in casualty, severity and location of injury but locomotion is the ultimate goal for the post-SCI survivors. In order for locomotion to occur, a complex CPG center of locomotion activation is required. Exercise based approach is the cornerstone in the treatment and management of individuals with SCI.<i> Objective</i>: To study the existing evidence on the effectiveness of Exercise-based approaches to activate Central Pattern Generator in Spinal Cord Injury Survivors with a focus on randomized controlled trials and cross over trials studies. <i>Methodology</i>: Literature published in English language. Original publications including RCTs and cross over trials published in peer-reviewed journals focused on traumatic or non-traumatic spinal cord injury published from 2014 to 2022. A key literature search adopted, for a more targeted search the following terms were used: effect of exercise, task-based approaches, body weight supported treadmill training, over ground training, balance and coordination training on the activation. <i>Search Strategy</i>: Database used were PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, EMBASE, CINAHL and Medline. <i>Results</i>: Assessment of Risk of Bias was done using PeDro analysis. Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria out of 300 studies searched. <i>Discussion</i>: Exercise based approaches are highly essential and integrated part of the rehabilitation of spinal cord injury survivors. It has been concluded that activity-based therapies are highly effective but under-utilized by the rehabilitation specialists.

Use of minimally invasive ultrasound transducer during tubular microdiscectomy.

Minimally invasive ultrasound during tubular microdiscectomy is novel. The authors report the technique during surgery for L5-S1 herniated disc. Ultrasound provided real-time visualization of the pathology and neural elements. After discectomy and tactile assessment, ultrasound showed decompression of the thecal sac and traversing nerve root. The patient tolerated the procedure well, with resolution of preoperative pain and strength improvement. Postoperative MRI revealed a residual asymptomatic disc fragment that was retrospectively identified on ultrasonography. Minimally invasive ultrasound could become a useful supplement to direct visual and tactile assessment during tubular microdiscectomy, but further experience with surgical anatomy on ultrasound is required. The video can be found here: https://stream.cadmore.media/r10.3171/2024.1.FOCVID23206.

Weighting the structural connectome: Exploring its impact on network properties and predicting cognitive performance in the human brain.

Brain function does not emerge from isolated activity, but rather from the interactions and exchanges between neural elements that form a network known as the connectome. The human connectome consists of structural and functional aspects. The structural connectome (SC) represents the anatomical connections, and the functional connectome represents the resulting dynamics that emerge from this arrangement of structures. As there are different ways of weighting these connections, it is important to consider how such different approaches impact study conclusions. Here, we propose that different weighted connectomes result in varied network properties, and while neither superior the other, selection might affect interpretation and conclusions in different study cases. We present three different weighting models, namely, number of streamlines (NOS), fractional anisotropy (FA), and axon diameter distribution (ADD), to demonstrate these differences. The later, is extracted using recently published AxSI method and is first compared to commonly used weighting methods. Moreover, we explore the functional relevance of each weighted SC, using the Human Connectome Project (HCP) database. By analyzing intelligence-related data, we develop a predictive model for cognitive performance based on graph properties and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) toolbox. Results demonstrate that the ADD SC, combined with a functional subnetwork model, outperforms other models in estimating cognitive performance.

A drug review on potency of Azhingil Vithai Thailam, Siddha Polyherbo formulation in the management of Ceganavatham

In Siddha system of medicine the diseases are categorized and concluded as 4448 diseases. Among these classification there are Vatha disease, Pitha diseases and Kabha diseases. The common Vatha disease are Thandaga Vatham(Lumbar spondylosis), Vathasthambam (Sciatica) and Cegana Vatham (Cervical Spondylosis. Cervical spondylosis is a disorder characterised by increasing degeneration of the intervertebral disc, with subsequent changes in the bones and soft tissues Symptoms are usually a manifestation of encroachment on local neural elements. The symptoms and signs appear to be related to the cause and time course of compression as well as the structures being compressed. Many formulations been indicated for the Cervical spondylosis, and one among these is Azhingil vithai Thailam. Every drug in the Azhingil vithai thailam possess the Anti- Vatha Property, hence this article provides the efficacy of Azhingil vithai Thailam on Cervical Spondylosis based on the Siddha literature and Modern science.

Analysis of the Characteristics and Intricacies of Arrangement of Neural Elements in the Costoclavicular Block Using Ultrasound: A Retrospective Qualitative Study.

Ultrasound (US)-guided costoclavicular block (CCB) is a promising new approach to brachial plexus (BP) block which is increasingly being utilized. Conventionally, the costoclavicular space (CCS) has been described to contain three cords. However, there may be variations in the neural pattern of the BP which is important to know to prevent inadvertent injury. We intend to describe the variations in neural patterns from retrospective scans of patients receiving costoclavicular BP block. The stored US images of patients who had received BP block using the CCB for surgery at the level of the elbow or below in the last year (from March 2021 to March 2022) were analyzed by two investigators independently. The clinical data were retrieved from the records of the same patients for the study outcomes. We collated the variations of the neural pattern, the number of neural structures seen, and the echogenicity of the structures in the costoclavicular BP space. In the CCS, the median number of neural structures was 4.5 (minimum of 3 to maximum of 8). With the BP lateral to the axillary artery and sandwiched between the subclavius-pectoralis minor superiorly and the serratus anteriorly inferiorly, numerous variations in the neural structures were noted. The most common arrangement was caterpillar-like (28.6%) and pecker-like (20.3%). The neural structures were found to be hypoechoic in the majority (66%). The CCS hosts several mostly hypoechoic neural structures which may be the variations of the cords or the extension of BP divisions. These new findings have been unreported in the recent past.

Graph Neural Network-Based Finite Element Feature Recognition from B-rep Model

Graph Neural Network-Based Finite Element Feature Recognition from B-rep Model

High area efficiency binary neural processing elements with time-domain signals using SFQ circuits

With the increasing processor performance requirements of convolutional neural networks, we believe that research on superconducting neural networks based on single flux quantum (SFQ) circuits holds significant potential. However, the typical multiply and accumulate operations used in neural networks often lead to a significant increase in circuit area due to the limitations of the integration density of the current SFQ circuit fabrication process. In this work, we propose a binary neural processing element (PE) that utilizes time-domain signal expression. Time-domain signals express multi-bit binary data in time information, which reduces the number of data lines to decrease the circuit area. In the proposed binary neural PE, multiplication is achieved through exclusive-NOR gates and addition is realized by controlling the delay of time-domain signals. We designed and simulated a 3 × 3 convolution circuit using 10 Nb layer process with a critical current density of 10 kA cm−2. Compared to the convolution circuit implemented using conventional SFQ logic, the proposed circuit reduces the number of Josephson junctions by approximately 56% and decreases the area by about 60%.

Neural Arch Preservation-Posterior Vertebral Column Resection: 2-Dimensional Operative Video.

This technique is a modification of the posterior vertebral column resection (PVCR) for patients with kyphoscoliosis with vertebral column resection indications (Cobb angle >100° angular and rigid with flexibility <20%-30%). The neural arch (preservation)-PVCR has the biomechanical advantage of maintaining the dural sac and the spinal cord attached within the neural arch and ligamentum flavum (dorsal meningovertebral ligaments are in tension in kyphosis), avoiding spinal cord deviation during the vertebrectomy. Preserving the neural arch did not interfere with corrective maneuvers of the anterior and middle columns and avoided the spinal translation in any anatomic plane. Standard posterior spinal midline approach and insertion of pedicle screws, a temporary rod is placed on contralateral side to maintain the stability of the spine during neural arch (preservation)-PVCR and to prevent translation of the spine. A costotransversectomy for an anterior approach is performed in the apex level and discectomies of the upper and lower levels. The anterior column reconstruction is made with a structural graft or titanium mesh cage with autograft. The correction is made with compression of the segment of the osteotomy, kyphosis correction with "in situ" rod benders, and Cantilever maneuver for final correction. A multiple rod construction is placed to increase stability. This technique has the potential benefits of decreasing operative time and blood loss, protecting the neural elements from fibrous scars and more posterior fusion for decreasing pseudoarthrosis. The patient consented to the procedure. The participants and any identifiable individuals consented to publication of his/her image.

Involvement of neuronal factors in tumor angiogenesis and the shaping of the cancer microenvironment.

Emerging evidence suggests that nerves within the tumor microenvironment play a crucial role in regulating angiogenesis. Neurotransmitters and neuropeptides released by nerves can interact with nearby blood vessels and tumor cells, influencing their behavior and modulating the angiogenic response. Moreover, nerve-derived signals may activate signaling pathways that enhance the production of pro-angiogenic factors within the tumor microenvironment, further supporting blood vessel growth around tumors. The intricate network of communication between neural constituents and the vascular system accentuates the potential of therapeutically targeting neural-mediated pathways as an innovative strategy to modulate tumor angiogenesis and, consequently, neoplastic proliferation. Hereby, we review studies that evaluate the precise molecular interplay and the potential clinical ramifications of manipulating neural elements for the purpose of anti-angiogenic therapeutics within the scope of cancer treatment.

Real-Time Intraoperative Ultrasound Using a Minimally Invasive Transducer During Anterior Cervical Spine Surgery.

Intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS) during anterior cervical surgery is hindered by large transducer size and small operative corridor. We hypothesized that a linear (minimally invasive) transducer designed for transsphenoidal surgery can visualize the spinal cord, nerve roots, and surrounding structures during anterior cervical approaches, facilitating intraoperative assessment of central and foraminal decompression. IOUS was used to evaluate 26 levels in 17 patients (15 anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, 1 corpectomy, 1 arthroplasty) with a linear probe (7 × 6-mm end-fire transducer, 150-mm length, 12-15 MHz). After pin-based distraction, discectomy, and posterior longitudinal ligament resection, IOUS assessed adequacy of cord decompression and, following proximal foraminotomy or uncinectomy, nerve root decompression. If indicated, additional decompression was completed. Criteria for adequate central and foraminal decompression were visualization of subarachnoid space around the cord and cerebrospinal fluid pulsatility along the root sleeve/absence of nerve root compression distal to the root sleeve, respectively. IOUS successfully visualized the cord, nerve roots, and surrounding structures in all 26 levels and influenced management in 11 levels (42.3%). IOUS indicated persistent cord and nerve root compression in 2 and 7 levels, respectively. Planned uncinectomy was aborted in 2 levels after IOUS demonstrated adequate nerve root decompression with intervertebral distraction/proximal foraminotomy alone. IOUS identified persistent nerve root compression after initial proximal foraminotomy in 4 levels and uncinectomy in 2 levels. An unplanned uncinectomy was performed in 1 level after IOUS showed persistent nerve root compression after multiple iterations of proximal foraminotomy. At follow-up (mean 3.1 months), the mean improvement in Numeric Rating Scale neck and arm pain, Neck Disability Index, and modified Japanese Orthopedic Association was 4.0%, 3.2%, 3.7%, and 0.7%, respectively. The neural elements and their relationships to surrounding bone/soft tissue can be visualized using a minimally invasive IOUS transducer during anterior cervical surgery without having to remove pin-based distraction. This allows surgeons to intraoperatively verify the extent of central and foraminal decompression.

A novel classification and management scheme for craniocervical junction disorders with ventral neural element compression.

Craniocervical junction (CCJ) pathologies with ventral neural element compression are poorly understood, and appropriate management requires accurate understanding, description, and a more uniform nomenclature. The aim of this study was to evaluate patients to identify anatomical clusters and better classify CCJ disorders with ventral compression and guide treatment. A retrospective review of adult and pediatric patients with ventral CCJ compression from 2008 to 2022 at a single center was performed. The incidence of anatomical abnormalities and compressive etiologies was assessed. Surgical approach, radiographic data, and outcomes were recorded. Association rules analysis (ARA) was used to assess variable clustering. Among 51 patients, the main causes of compression were either purely bony (retroflexed dens [n = 18]; basilar invagination [BI; n = 13]) or soft tissue (degenerative pannus [n = 16]; inflammatory pannus [n = 2]). The primary cluster in ARA was a retroflexed dens, platybasia, and Chiari malformation (CM), and the secondary cluster was BI, C1-2 subluxation, and reducibility. These, along with degenerative pannus, formed the three major classes. In assessing the optimal treatment strategy, reducibility was evaluated. Of the BI cases, 12 of the 13 patients had anterolisthesis of C1 that was potentially reducible, compared with 2 of the 18 patients with a retroflexed dens (both with concomitant BI), and no pannus cases. The mean C1-2 facet angle was significantly higher in BI at 32.4°, compared with -2.3° in retroflexed dens and 8.1° in degenerative pannus (p < 0.05). Endonasal decompression with posterior fixation was performed in 48 (94.0%) of the 51 patients, whereas posterior reduction/fixation alone was performed in 3 patients (6.0%). Of 16 reducible cases, open posterior reduction alone was successful in 3 (60.0%) of 5 cases, with all successes containing isolated BI. Reduction was not attempted if vertebral anatomy was unfavorable (n = 9) or the C1 lateral mass was absent (n = 5). The mean follow-up was 28 months. Symptoms improved in 88.9% of patients and were stable in the remaining 11.1%. Tracheostomy and percutaneous G-tube placement occurred in 7.8% and 11.8% of patients, respectively. Reoperation for an endonasal CSF leak repair or posterior cervical wound revision both occurred in 3.9% of patients. In classifying, one cluster caused decreased posterior fossa volume due to an anatomical triad of retroflexed dens, platybasia, and CM. The second cluster caused pannus formation due to degenerative hypertrophy. For both, endonasal decompression with posterior fixation was ideal. The third group contained C1 anterolisthesis characterized by a steep C1-2 facet angle causing reducible BI. Posterior reduction/fixation is the first-line treatment when anatomically feasible or endonasal decompression with in situ posterior fixation when anatomical constraints exist.

Downstream network transformations dissociate neural activity from causal functional contributions

Neuroscientists rely on distributed spatio-temporal patterns of neural activity to understand how neural units contribute to cognitive functions and behavior. However, the extent to which neural activity reliably indicates a unit's causal contribution to the behavior is not well understood. To address this issue, we provide a systematic multi-site perturbation framework that captures time-varying causal contributions of elements to a collectively produced outcome. Applying our framework to intuitive toy examples and artificial neural networks revealed that recorded activity patterns of neural elements may not be generally informative of their causal contribution due to activity transformations within a network. Overall, our findings emphasize the limitations of inferring causal mechanisms from neural activities and offer a rigorous lesioning framework for elucidating causal neural contributions.

The Temperature Field Prediction and Estimation of Ti-Al Alloy Twin-Wire Plasma Arc Additive Manufacturing Using a One-Dimensional Convolution Neural Network

Plasma arc deposition as an additive manufacturing technology has unique advantages for producing parts with complex shapes through layer-by-layer deposition. It is critical to predict and control the temperature field during the production process due to the temperature distribution and gradients determining the properties and performance of the part. Numerical simulation approaches, such as the finite element method, which provides a large amount of data for machine learning modeling, thus reducing the overhead of experimental measurements, are widely used in machine learning. In this paper, we propose a neural network combined finite element method and process prediction workflow. A one-dimensional convolutional neural network model for predicting 2D temperature distribution is developed by training the collected data on the planar temperature field of titanium–aluminum twin-wire plasma arc additive manufacturing and the finite element method. The results show that the predicted temperature mean square error is only 0.5, with less than a 20 °C error in peak temperature and a relative error below 1%. The proposed transfer learning method achieves the same training loss and is 500 iterations faster than basic training, which improves the training speed by 25%. The current study confirms the accurate performance of the ML model and the effectiveness of the optimization method.

Common complications with endoscopic surgery and management

Endoscopic spine surgery (ESS) has proved to have similar clinical outcomes to those obtained with conventional surgical open options to decompress neural elements. Advantages such as less postoperative pain, intraoperative bleeding, postoperative opioid consumption, earlier mobilization, and shorter hospital stays are related to ESS. However, these techniques are also associated with risks of potentially catastrophic complications. This narrative review discusses the most common complications in full-endoscopy: dural injury, insufficient decompression and recurrence, postoperative epidural hematoma, postoperative dysesthesia, and infection. Moreover, practical advice to prevent and manage them has added to each complication.

Automatic Counting and Location Labeling of Rice Seedlings from Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Images

Traditional counting of rice seedlings in agriculture is often labor-intensive, time-consuming, and prone to errors. Therefore, agricultural automation has gradually become a prominent solution. In this paper, UVA detection, combining deep learning with unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) sensors, contributes to precision agriculture. We propose a YOLOv4-based approach for the counting and location marking of rice seedlings from unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) images. The detection of tiny objects is a crucial and challenging task in agricultural imagery. Therefore, we make modifications to the data augmentation and activation functions in the neural elements of the deep learning model to meet the requirements of rice seedling detection and counting. In the preprocessing stage, we segment the UAV images into different sizes for training. Mish activation is employed to enhance the accuracy of the YOLO one-stage detector. We utilize the dataset provided in the AIdea 2021 competition to evaluate the system, achieving an F1-score of 0.91. These results indicate the superiority of the proposed method over the baseline system. Furthermore, the outcomes affirm the potential for precise detection of rice seedlings in precision agriculture.

Interlaminar laminectomy/discectomy techniques and outcomes

ObjectiveUnilateral Biportal Endoscopic decompression via interlaminar approach is an evolving minimally invasive technique to decompress the neural structures from either due to degenerative lumbar canal stenosis or herniated disc. The current study aims to highlight technical aspects of this procedure for safe and better clinical outcomes. FindingsUnilateral Biportal Endoscopy via interlaminar approach provides an excellent magnified and illuminated surgical field to satisfactorily decompress not only ipsilateral but contralateral side also. Dural tear and epidural hematomas are known complications; however, the incidence is low. ConclusionUnilateral Biportal Endoscopic decompression via interlaminar approach can safely and effectively decompress neural elements without destabilizing spine.

Integrated transformer condition assessment based on SOM neural network evidence cloud element model

Integrated transformer condition assessment based on SOM neural network evidence cloud element model

Evaluation and Treatment of Patients with Small Posterior Cranial Fossa and Chiari Malformation, Types 0 and 1.

The diagnosis of Chiari I malformation is straightforward in patients with typical signs and symptoms of Chiari I malformation and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirming ≥5 mm of cerebellar tonsillar ectopia, with or without a syrinx. However, in many cases, Chiari I malformation is discovered incidentally on MRI to evaluate global headache, cervical radiculopathy, or other conditions. In those cases, the clinician must consider if cerebellar tonsillar ectopia is related to the presenting symptoms. Surgical decompression of the cerebellar tonsils and foramen magnum in patients with symptomatic Chiari I malformation effectively relieves suboccipital headache, reduces syrinx distension, and arrests syringomyelia progression. Neurosurgeons must avoid operative treatments decompressing incidental tonsillar ectopia, not causing symptoms. Such procedures unnecessarily place patients at risk of operative complications and tissue injuries related to surgical exploration. This chapter reviews the typical signs and symptoms of Chiari I malformation and its variant, Chiari 0 malformation, which has <5 mm of cerebellar tonsillar ectopia and is often associated with syringomyelia. Chiari I and Chiari 0 malformations are associated with incomplete occipital bone development, reduced volume and height of the posterior fossa, tonsillar ectopia, and compression of the neural elements and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pathways at the foramen magnum. Linear, angular, cross-sectional area, and volume measurements of the posterior fossa, craniocervical junction, and upper cervical spine identify morphometric abnormalities in Chiari I and Chiari 0 malformation patients. Chiari 0 patients respond like Chiari I patients to foramen magnum decompression and should not be excluded from surgical treatment because their tonsillar ectopia is <5 mm. The authors recommend the adoption of diagnostic criteria for Chiari 0 malformation without syringomyelia. This chapter provides updated information and guidance to the physicians managing Chiari I and Chiari 0 malformation patients and neuroscientists interested in Chiari malformations.

Review article: do stimulant laxatives damage the gut? A critical analysis of current knowledge.

Stimulant laxatives are well established as first- or second-line treatments for constipation and although they have a reliable therapeutic effect, alleged safety concerns still exist, particularly with long-term use. The potential harmful effects on the gastrointestinal system (including carcinogenicity) of the long-term use of diphenylmethane [bisacodyl, sodium picosulfate (SPS)] and senna stimulant laxatives were assessed in a comprehensive review of the publications identified in literature searches performed in PubMed and Embase up to and including June 2023. We identified and reviewed 43 publications of interest. While stimulant laxatives at supratherapeutic doses have been shown to cause structural alterations to surface absorptive cells in animals and humans, these effects are reversible and not considered clinically relevant. No formal long-term studies have demonstrated morphological changes in enteric neural elements or intestinal smooth muscle with bisacodyl or SPS in humans. Furthermore, there is no convincing evidence that stimulant laxatives are associated with the development of colon cancer, and in fact, chronic constipation itself has been reported to potentially increase the risk of colon cancer, therefore, the use of stimulant laxatives might reduce this risk. Many studies suggesting a possible harmful effect from laxatives were limited by their failure to consider confounding factors such as concomitant neurological disease, metabolic disorders, and age. These findings highlight the lack of evidence for the harmful effects of laxatives on the colon, and thus, the benefits of treatment with stimulant laxatives, even in the long-term, should be reconsidered for the management of patients with constipation.