Parts Of Brain Research Articles

Vision + X: A Survey on Multimodal Learning in the Light of Data.

We are perceiving and communicating with the world in a multisensory manner, where different information sources are sophisticatedly processed and interpreted by separate parts of the human brain to constitute a complex, yet harmonious and unified sensing system. To endow the machines with true intelligence, multimodal machine learning that incorporates data from various sources has become an increasingly popular research area with emerging technical advances in recent years. In this paper, we present a survey on multimodal machine learning from a novel perspective considering not only the purely technical aspects but also the intrinsic nature of different data modalities. We analyze the commonness and uniqueness of each data format mainly ranging from vision, audio, text, and motions, and then present the methodological advancements categorized by the combination of data modalities, such as Vision+Text, with slightly inclined emphasis on the visual data. We investigate the existing literature on multimodal learning from both the representation learning and downstream application levels, and provide an additional comparison in the light of their technical connections with the data nature, e.g., the semantic consistency between image objects and textual descriptions, and the rhythm correspondence between video dance moves and musical beats. We hope that the exploitation of the alignment as well as the existing gap between the intrinsic nature of data modality and the technical designs, will benefit future research studies to better address a specific challenge related to the concrete multimodal task, prompting a unified multimodal machine learning framework closer to a real human intelligence system.

Protective effects of Marinobacter nauticus strain GH3 exopolysaccharide on the Oreochromis niloticus model for Alzheimer's disease.

Marinobacter nauticus strain GH3 was isolated from the Red Sea, Sharm Elshiekh, and classified according to cultural attributes, biochemical properties, and the analysis of genetic relationships using 16S rRNA sequences. A substantial proportion of exopolysaccharides (EPS) in GH3-EPS contained a sulfate content of 25.4%, uronic acid (12.18%), and N-acetylglucosamine (13.6%). The composition of monosaccharides in this fraction consists of glucose, glucoronic acid, arabinose, and xylose by 2:4:3:3, respectively. SEM showed a flower-like shape with white bundles on the GH3-EPS surface. GH3-EPS enhancement of the RAW264.7 macrophage line RAW 264.7 ATTC number J774 cell proliferation via MTT assay for cell viability. GH3-EPS had a high stimulation effect on releasing TNF-alpha and IL-10. Followed by its effect against cyclooxygenase (COX-2) and lipoxygenase (LOX), with IC50s of 14.74 and 19.4µg/ml, respectively. Antioxidant activity was evaluated for GPx-4, GSS, and MDA with highly significant results, and for DPPH, ABTS, and iron chelating with IC50 (43.51, 31.27, and 84.96µg/ml, respectively). AChE was inhibited by a mean of 52.92 ± 4.54 and 68.22 ± 5.64µg/ml. In a fish animal model, GH3-EPS demonstrated a positive treatment effect for AD, supporting biochemical studies, histopathology for some brain parts, and toxicity.

Evaluating OSPE as a Formative Assessment Tool for Medical Students

Introduction. Objective structured practical examination (OSPE) is a globally recognized and widely implemented assessment method used for evaluating students in practical examinations. It requires examinees to complete various tasks within a set time frame, each assessed against predetermined criteria designed to measure practical skills and attitudes. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the OSPE as a tool for internal assessment in the subject of Anatomy for first-year MBBS students, comparing its performance against the traditional practical examination (TPE) method. Methods. In this prospective study, an OSPE tool specific to Anatomy was developed and validated for face and content to ensure that the OSPE stations were standardized and well-constructed. The part-leaving test covered the Thorax and Brain chapters using both the TPE and OSPE methods. A Bland-Altman plot was employed to assess the agreement between the quantitative assessments of both methods. Additionally, a 5-point Likert scale was utilized to gauge the perceptions of both students and faculty members regarding the assessment methods. Results. The analysis revealed a significant difference between the scores obtained from OSPE and TPE. The intraclass correlation coefficients for reliability between TPE and OSPE were 0.81 for the Thorax chapter and 0.84 for the Brain chapter. Additionally, the Bland-Altman plots illustrating the scores from both assessment methods indicated low bias and no definite pattern. While no significant outliers were identified for the Brain part, the Thorax part exhibited outliers at a rate of 6.43%, suggesting the presence of low-impact erratic variables. The Chi-square test for student perceptions yielded significant results for the entire questionnaire. In contrast, faculty perceptions showed significant results for all questions except for two. Conclusions. Due to the high intraclass correlation coefficients between TPE and OSPE and the absence of bias, systematic errors, and erratic variables, OSPE is a promising assessment tool. Students perceived that OSPE decreased the chances of failure and that the questions asked in OSPE were more relevant compared to the traditional method. Faculty members also noted that OSPE provided reasonably high transparency and decreased subjective bias compared to TPE. Considering these factors, it can be concluded that OSPE is a viable potential tool to replace TSE.

Managing neurofibromatosis type I and vision impairment in a resource-limited setting: a case study and multidisciplinary approach

Background: Neurofibromatosis type I (NF1) is a genetic disorder characterized by the development of multiple benign tumors along nerves in the skin, brain, and other parts of the body. It is associated with a range of clinical manifestations, including skin lesions, neurofibromas, and ocular abnormalities, which can significantly impact a patient’s quality of life. Management of NF1 is particularly challenging in resource-limited settings due to limited access to diagnostic and therapeutic resources. Clinical presentation: A 62-year-old woman with a known history of NF1 presented with progressive visual impairment. Her condition began in childhood with multiple hyperpigmented skin macules, which developed into numerous cutaneous tumors over time. Examination revealed numerous neurofibromas, café-au-lait spots, and axillary freckling. Significant visual impairment was caused by large fibromas on her eyelids. Histological analysis confirmed benign nerve tissue tumors. Clinical discussion: The management strategy in this resource-limited setting focused on regular monitoring, patient education, symptomatic treatment, and multidisciplinary care. Despite the limitations, the patient’s condition was managed effectively through these adapted strategies. The importance of genetic testing for confirmation and further management was noted but not performed due to resource constraints. Conclusion: This case highlights the complexities of managing NF1 in resource-limited settings, emphasizing the need for adaptable management approaches. Multidisciplinary care and patient education were crucial in improving the patient’s quality of life. This case underscores the importance of early diagnosis and intervention to prevent complications like visual impairment.

Transcriptomic Signature of Spatial Navigation in Brains ofDesert Ants.

Navigation is crucial for central-place foragers to locate food and return to the nest. Cataglyphis ants are renowned for their advanced navigation abilities, relying on landmark cues and path integration. This study aims to uncover the transcriptomic basis of exceptional spatial learning in the central nervous system of Cataglyphis niger. Ants navigated a maze with a food reward, and we examined expression changes linked to correct decisions in subsequent runs. Correct decisions correlated with expression changes in the optic lobes, but not the central brain, showing a downregulation of genes associated with sucrose response and Creb3l1. The latter gene is homologous to Drosophila crebA, which is essential for long-term memory formation. To understand how ants use distance information during path integration, we analyzed expression shifts associated with the last distance traveled. We uncovered a transcriptomic footprint in the central brain, but not in the optic lobes, with genes enriched for energy consumption and neurological functions, including neuronal projection development, synaptic target inhibition, and recognition processes. This suggests that transcriptional activity in the central brain is necessary for estimating distance traveled, which is crucial for path integration. Our study supports the distinct roles of different brain parts for navigation in Cataglyphis ants.

Neuroimaging in Clinical Practice: An Overview

Neuroimaging is a specialization of imaging technique that produce images of the brain or other parts of the Central Nervous System (CNS) in a noninvasive manner that directly or indirectly assess the structural or functional activity of the nervous system. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are the most widely used modalities in routine clinical practice. Neuroimaging can be divided into two broad categories, namely, structural and functional neuroimaging. This article discusses the basics and applications of various traditional, as well as emerging neuroimaging techniques, considering their strengths and limitations with this rapidly expanding field. Bangladesh J Medicine 2024; 35: 147-155

Correlation of Recombinant FSH Doses with Follicular and Serum Level Resolvin E1 in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Women Undergoing ICSI

Background: Reproduction is a intricately structured process achieved by interaction of the higher centers in the brain, the gonads, and different body parts; Whereas infertility is a multifactorial pathological condition affecting approximately 10–15% of couples, especially in industrialized region.RESOLVIN E1 is a member of specialized pro resolving mediator family of bio active lipids. It has anti-inflammatory effects in various inflammatory diseases. A promising researches in their way to prove its positive role in reproduction through direct effect on folliculogenesis. It has a fundamental role in regulating follicular growth and maturation at central and peripheral levels highlighting its possible role in diagnosing and treating infertility problems. High level of RESOLVIN E1 which might play critical role in poly cystic ovarian syndrome due to its anti-inflammatory effects. Objectives: To investigate the correlation of serum and follicular RESOLVIN E1 to gonadotropin (recombinant FSH doses) in PCOS patient undergoing ICSI. Subject, Patients, Materials, and Method: A prospective cross-sectional study conducted in the high institute for infertility diagnosis and assisted reproductive technology /Al Nahrain University /Baghdad /Iraq, from November 2023 till March 2024. Twenty-nine infertile PCOS women who were undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection were enrolled in the study. Serum and follicular RESOLVIN E1 at day of oocyte pickup were measured using ELISA technique. Results: The current study shows significantly lower gonadotropins stimulation dose needed for PCOS females (p <0.001). It also revealed no significant correlations between total gonadotropins dose with both serum and follicular fluids resolvin E1, while there were insignificant negative correlations between serum and follicular fluids resolvin E1 with patients’ ages and body mass indices among PCOS females. Conclusions: There is no correlation between the serum and follicular RvE1 levels in PCOS infertile females.

Evolution of the Human Brain and the Myth of its Ten-Percent Use

The human brain is a complex organ that controls nearly every function of the human body. As science believes, humans evolved from apes but over time, humans achieved domain specification and maturation in the nervous system due to which they gained sensory, language, and other social cognition functions, called higher-level cognitive functions. Neurogenesis, or brain development, is an organized process that starts from the early weeks of pregnancy to early childhood. During development, brain parts connect to each other directly and indirectly to process information. As the brain is a mysterious organ so many theories and myths are linked to its development and its use. A widespread misconception, a claim, is that most people use only about 10 % of their potential brain power. But there is no room for this myth because we have now mapped almost every region of the brain. Furthermore, PET scans and fMRI clearly show that almost all parts of the brain are connected to each other and all parts are functionally active. And if the parts of the brain are unnecessary and unused, then they must be removed or disappear, according to the rule of the theory of evolution. Now it is the time to put the myth to rest even though it has survived for a whole century.

Features of the functioning of dopaminergic and serotonergic neurotransmitter systems of some parts of the rat brain after AZT (zidovudine) and S-adenosyl-L-methionine drugs administration

Features of the functioning of dopaminergic and serotonergic neurotransmitter systems of some parts of the rat brain after AZT (zidovudine) and S-adenosyl-L-methionine drugs administration

Nuclei and Tracts in the Telencephalon of Crocodiles: Identification and Characterization Using an Organizational Scheme Applicable to Other Reptiles.

The telencephalon of reptiles has been suggested to be the key to understanding the evolution of the forebrain. Nevertheless, a meaningful framework to organize the telencephalon in any reptile has, with rare exception, yet to be presented. To address this gap in knowledge, the telencephalon was investigated in two species of crocodiles. A variety of morphological stains were used to examine tissue in transverse, horizontal, and sagittal planes of sections. Besides providing a description of individual nuclei, brain parts were organized based on two features. One was related to two fixed, internal structures: the lateral ventricle and the dorsal medullary lamina. The other was the alignment of neurons into either layers, cortex, or not, nucleus. Viewed from this perspective, all structures, with limited exceptions, could be accurately placed within the telencephalon regardless of the plane of section. Furthermore, this framework can be applied to other reptiles. A further extension of this scheme suggests that all structures in the telencephalon could be grouped into one of two categories: pallial or basal.

Pentingnya Pengucapan yang Jelas dari Orang Tua: Untuk Mengoptimalkan Fungsi Lobus Temporal pada Anak

The brain is the primary organ responsible for maintaining human physical and psychological balance from developmental stages in the womb, through infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and old age. The brain guides humans to exhibit positive and negative behaviors. It functions positively in a positive environment and negatively in a negative one. A newborn's brain weighs 370 grams, and by the age of three, it reaches 70% of the adult brain weight, approximately 1.2 to 1.4 kilograms (3 pounds). This brain development phase is known as the "Golden Age." Parents or significant others raising children must understand that during early childhood, the brain develops rapidly. Neurons will function robustly and swiftly if provided with appropriate stimuli. This means that children will quickly understand, imitate, and memorize what they hear, see, and observe. Anyone raising a child, including educators and babysitters, must understand that the brain is a vital organ that needs protection from hard and sharp objects and must be safeguarded against severe impacts and deep injuries to prevent damage to brain growth and development. This study serves as a preliminary reference for understanding the brain's parts, demonstrating that the brain has various sections, each with its functions, as revealed by scientific research from neurologists.

Hanges in the structure of the sodium-potassium pumpin different parts of the rat brain after administration of the1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine neurotoxin

The variety of non-motor symptoms at the preclinical stage of Parkinson's disease makes it relevant to search for adequate and simple methods for their modeling in rodents. Subcutaneous or intraperitoneal administration of the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) neurotoxin to mice is one of the most common models of experimental parkinsonism in rodents. Intranasal administration of this neurotoxin to rats remains a less studied but promising way to induce moderate damage to brain dopaminergic neurons without causing motor symptoms in animals. Material and methods. MPTP was administered intranasally to 28 Wistar rats. After 16 days, 9 brain structures were extracted and the content of three α-subunits of Na/K-ATPase was evaluated by Western Blotting.Results. We found that a single intranasal administration of neurotoxin to rats led to a decrease in the content of α1- and α2-subunits and an increase in the content of α3-subunits of Na/K-ATPase in various parts of the rat cerebral cortex, including the olfactory bulbs. In subcortical structures, changes were found only in the striatum and hippocampus. Conclusions. The obtained data suggest a change in the functional activity of brain neurons in the structures associated with the acquisition and execution of instrumental reflexes in rats Многообразие немоторных нарушений болезни Паркинсона на доклинической стадии развития заболевания делает актуальным поиск адекватных и простых способов их моделирования на грызунах. Подкожное или внутрибрюшинное введение нейротоксина 1-метил-4- фенил-1,2,3,6-тетрагидропиридина (МФТП) мышам является одной из наиболее распространенных моделей экспериментального паркинсо- низма на грызунах. Интраназальное введение данного нейротксина крысам остается менее изученным, но перспективным способом вызвать у животных умеренное повреждение дофаминергических нейронов головного мозга без моторной симптоматики. Материал и методы. МФТП вводили интраназально 28 крысам Wistar. Через 16 дней извлекали 9 структур головного мозга и методом Вестерн–Блоттинга оценивали содержание трех α-субъединиц Na/K-АТФазы. Результаты. Установлено, что однократное интраназальное введение нейротоксина крысам привело к снижению содержания α1- и α2- субъедениц и росту числа α3-субъедениц Na/K-ATФазы в различных отделах коры головного мозга крыс, в т.ч. в обонятельных луковицах. В подкорковых структурах изменения были выявлены только в стриатуме и гиппокампе. Выводы. Полученные данные позволяют предположить изменение функциональной активности нейронов го- ловного мозга в структурах, связанных с выработкой и воспроизведением инструментальных рефлексов у крыс.

A Study of Dermatoglyphics Patterns in Relation to the Levels of Perceived Stress

Background:: Dermatoglyphics is the study of dermal ridge configuration on the skin of the fingers and palms, which can be used to diagnose chromosomal disorders and individual identification. Stress is characterizedby feeling overwhelmed with mental or emotional pressure and evokes a biological response when any intrinsic or extrinsic stimulus is applied. Stress can cause acute effects and disorders that can trigger structural changes like atrophy and decrement in weight in different brain parts with long-term effects on the nervous system. Materials and Methods:: In this cross-sectional study, fingerprints of 150 participants of Gulf Medical University with an equal number of students and faculty/ staff were obtained by fingerprint scanner. Participants were classified into low, moderate, and high-stress levels by questionnaire. Collected data were statistically analyzed to find any association between dermatoglyphics and perceived stress levels. Results:: Radial Loop was found to have the highest frequency as a percentage in all three groups. Plain whorl was the pattern with the second-highest percentage of occurrences. A notable observation was the lack of plain arch and low frequency of accidental whorl in the high-stress group. Conclusion:: The findings contribute to our understanding of the potential of dermatoglyphics as an indicator of perceived stress, opening up avenues for further research in utilizing these patterns as a non-invasive tool for assessing stress levels.

Enhancing Brain Tumor Classification: A CNN-Based Approach with InceptionV3 and Xception

Brain tumors are among the most aggressive and deadly diseases, with a very short life expectancy at the highest grade. To combat this, early detection and treatment are crucial.In this approach, MRI images are used to analyze brain abnormalities. The manual investigation of brain tumor classification is a time-consuming task, and there might be possibilities of human errors. Hence, accurate analysis in a short span of time is essential. This approach presents the automatic brain tumor classification algorithm using a highly accurate Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), InceptionV3 and Xception algorithm for classification of Glioma, Meningioma and No tumor. The brain part is initially segmented by a thresholding approach followed by a morphological operation. The brain MRI is classified using CNN, Inceptionv3, and Xceptionv3 algorithms. The system's performance is evaluated using precision, recall, F1 score, and accuracy parameters.

CRANIOMETRICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE HUMAN FETAL SKULL

The purpose of the study – to ascertain the regularities of the age-related dynamics ofmorphometric changes of the skull in the fetal period of human ontogenesis.Material and methods. 59 specimens and 12 computed tomography (CT) scans of theskulls of human fetuses aged from 4 to 10 months of intrauterine development (IUD)were studied. A complex of morphological research methods was applied, which includedanthropometry, morphometry, three- dimensional reconstruction and statistical analysis.The results. It has been established that the longitudinal and transverse dimensions, thecircumference of the cerebral part of the skull grow almost uniformly before birth, but bythe 5th month of the IUD, a more accelerated growth is observed, due to which the scatterdiagram has the appearance of a logarithmic dependence. A somewhat uneven growth ofthese morphometric indicators is also observed in the age-related changes in the width andupper height of the face. The growth of the facial angle during the fetal period was revealed,which can be explained by the development of the mandible («pushing» it forward). At the same time, the basilar angle slightly decreases during the fetal period of development,which can be explained by the increase in the brain volume. The basilar angle increaseswith the age of the fetus, but somewhat unevenly in leptins, i. e., until the beginning of the6th month, it almost does not change, during the 6th-7th months it increases intensively,and then slows down again until the end of the fetal period of IUD. In euryons, there isa uniform growth of the basilar angle throughout the fruiting period of development, andmore intensively than in the average morphotype – mesens. Analysis of the correlation offetal age, cranial index, and basilar angle size showed even more significant anatomicalvariability. Thus, if in dolicho- and mesomorphs the basilar angle grows almost uniformlyduring the fetal period, then in brachymorphs it first intensively decreases until the 6thmonth of development, and then begins to grow until the newborn period. It should be notedthat a similar feature is observed in the dynamics of age-related changes in the facial angle,in addition to slowing down its growth from the 8th month in dolichomorphs.Conclusions. 1. Regression analysis of the correlation of age, morphotype indicators, andbasilar and facial angles made it possible to establish patterns of individual morphometricvariability of the skull in the dynamics of the fetal period of prenatal human development,as well as to identify critical periods of morphogenesis of the brain and facial parts ofthe skull, which are 6-7 months in leptins, the 6th month – for brachymorphs and the 8thmonth – for dolichomorphs. 2. The size of the basilar angle of the skull is an importantdiagnostic and prognostic indicator in combination with indices that characterize themorphotype of the individual, for monitoring the normal development of the skull andbrain of the fetus.

TREADS: Target Research for Anti-epileptic Drugs Using Data Science

Context: Epilepsy is a common neurological disease and is classified into different types based on features such as the kind of seizure, age of onset, part of brain effected, etc. There are nearly 30 approved anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) for treating different epilepsies and each drug targets proteins exhibiting a specific molecular mechanism of action. There are many genes, proteins, and microRNAs known to be associated with different epileptic disorders. This rich information on epilepsy-associated data is not available at one single location and is scattered across multiple publicly available repositories. There is a need to have a single platform integrated with the data, as well as tools required for epilepsy research. Methods and Material: Text mining approaches are used to extract data from multiple biological sources. The data is curated and populated within an in-house developed epilepsy database. Machine-learning based models are built in-house to know the probability of a protein being druggable based on the significant protein features. A web interface is provided for the access of the epilepsy database as well as the ML-based tool developed in-house. Results: The epilepsy-associated data is made accessible through a web browser. For a protein of interest, the platform provides all the feature values, and the results generated using different machine learning models are displayed as visualization plots. Conclusions: To meet these objectives, we present TREADS, a platform for epilepsy research community, having both database and an ML-based tool for the study of AED targets. To access TREADS: https://treads-aer.cdacb.in

Specific biomarkers and neurons distribution of different brain regions in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides).

The brain regulates multiple physiological processes in fish. Despite this, knowledge about the basic structure and function of distinct brain regions in non-model fish species remains limited due to their diversity and the scarcity of common biomarkers. In the present study, four major brain parts, the telencephalon, diencephalon, mesencephalon and rhombencephalon, were isolated in largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides. Within these parts, nine brain regions and 74 nuclei were further identified through morphological and cytoarchitectonic analysis. Transcriptome analysis revealed a total of 7153 region-highly expressed genes and 176 region-specifically expressed genes. Genes related to growth, reproduction, emotion, learning, and memory were significantly overexpressed in the olfactory bulb and telencephalon (OBT). Feeding and stress-related genes were in the hypothalamus (Hy). Visual system-related genes were predominantly enriched in the optic tectum (OT), while vision and hearing-related genes were widely expressed in the cerebellum (Ce) region. Sensory input and motor output-related genes were in the medulla oblongata (Mo). Osmoregulation, stress response, sleep/wake cycles, and reproduction-related genes were highly expressed in the remaining brain (RB). Three candidate marker genes were further identified for each brain regions, such as neuropeptide FF (npff) for OBT, pro-melanin-concentrating hormone (pmch) for Hy, vesicular inhibitory amino acid transporter (viaat) for OT, excitatory amino acid transporter 1 (eaat1) for Ce, peripherin (prph) for Mo, and isotocin neurophysin (itnp) for RB. Additionally, the distribution of seven neurotransmitter-type neurons and five types of non-neuronal cells across different brain regions were analyzed by examining the expression of their marker genes. Notably, marker genes for glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons showed the highest expression levels across all brain regions. Similarly, the marker gene for radial astrocytes exhibited high expression compared to other markers, while those for microglia were the least expressed. Overall, our results provide a comprehensive overview of the structural and functional characteristics of distinct brain regions in the largemouth bass, which offers a valuable resource for understanding the role of central nervous system in regulating physiological processes in teleost.

Brain Tumor Detection Using Deep Learning

The brain tumor is one of the most dangerous, common and aggressive diseases which leads to a very short life expectancy at the highest grade. Thus, to prevent life from such disease, early recognition, and fast treatment is an essential step. In this approach, MRI images are used to analyze brain abnormalities. The manual investigation of brain tumor classification is a time-consuming task and there might have possibilities of human errors. Hence accurate analysis in a tiny span of time is an essential requirement. In this approach, the automatic brain tumor classification algorithm using a highly accurate Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) algorithm is presented. Initially, the brain part is segmented by thresholding approach followed by a morphological operation. The brain MRI is classified using CNN, Inceptionv3, and Xceptionv3 algorithms. The performance of the system is evaluated using precision, recall, F1 score and accuracy parameter

Involvement of transposable elements in Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis.

Alzheimer's disease affects an average of 5 % of the population with a significant increase in prevalence with age, suggesting that the same mechanisms that underlie aging may influence this pathology. Investigation of these mechanisms is promising for effective methods of treatment and prevention of the disease. Possible participants in these mechanisms are transposons, which serve as drivers of epigenetic regulation, since they form species-specific distributions of non-coding RNA genes in genomes in evolution. Study of miRNA involvement in Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis is relevant, since the associations of protein-coding genes (APOE4, ABCA7, BIN1, CLU, CR1, PICALM, TREM2) with the disease revealed as a result of GWAS make it difficult to explain its complex pathogenesis. Specific expression changes of many genes were found in different brain parts of Alzheimer's patients, which may be due to global regulatory changes under the influence of transposons. Experimental and clinical studies have shown pathological activation of retroelements in Alzheimer's disease. Our analysis of scientific literature in accordance with MDTE DB revealed 28 miRNAs derived from transposons (17 from LINE, 5 from SINE, 4 from HERV, 2 from DNA transposons), the expression of which specifically changes in this disease (decreases in 17 and increases in 11 microRNA). Expression of 13 out of 28 miRNAs (miR-151a, -192, -211, -28, -31, -320c, -335, -340, -378a, -511, -576, -708, -885) also changes with aging and cancer development, which indicates the presence of possible common pathogenetic mechanisms. Most of these miRNAs originated from LINE retroelements, the pathological activation of which is associated with aging, carcinogenesis, and Alzheimer's disease, which supports the hypothesis that these three processes are based on the primary dysregulation of transposons that serve as drivers of epigenetic regulation of gene expression in ontogeny.

EDeeplepsy: An artificial neural framework to reveal different brain states in children with epileptic spasms

ObjectiveDespite advances, analysis and interpretation of EEG still essentially rely on visual inspection by a super-specialized physician. Considering the vast amount of data that composes the EEG, much of the detail inevitably escapes ordinary human scrutiny. Significant information may not be evident and is missed, and misinterpretation remains a serious problem. Can we develop an artificial intelligence system to accurately and efficiently classify EEG and even reveal novel information? In this study, deep learning techniques and, in particular, Convolutional Neural Networks, have been used to develop a model (which we have named eDeeplepsy) for distinguishing different brain states in children with epilepsy. MethodsA novel EEG database from a homogenous pediatric population with epileptic spasms beyond infancy was constituted by epileptologists, representing a particularly intriguing seizure type and challenging EEG. The analysis was performed on such samples from long-term video-EEG recordings, previously coded as images showing how different parts of the epileptic brain are distinctly activated during varying states within and around this seizure type. ResultsResults show that not only could eDeeplepsy differentiate ictal from interictal states but also discriminate brain activity between spasms within a cluster from activity away from clusters, usually undifferentiated by visual inspection. Accuracies between 86 % and 94 % were obtained for the proposed use cases. SignificanceWe present a model for computer-assisted discrimination that can consistently detect subtle differences in the various brain states of children with epileptic spasms, and which can be used in other settings in epilepsy with the purpose of reducing workload and discrepancies or misinterpretations. The research also reveals previously undisclosed information that allows for a better understanding of the pathophysiology and evolving characteristics of this particular seizure type. It does so by documenting a different state (interspasms) that indicates a potentially non-standard signal with distinctive epileptogenicity at that period.