Sensorimotor Function Research Articles

Polydatin attenuated neuropathic pain and motor dysfunction following spinal cord injury in rats by employing its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

Considering the complex pathological mechanisms behind spinal cord injury (SCI) and the adverse effects of present non-approved drugs against SCI, new studies are needed to introduce novel multi-target active ingredients with higher efficacy and lower side effects. Polydatin (PLD) is a naturally occurring stilbenoid glucoside recognized for its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to assess the effects of PLD on sensory-motor function following SCI in rats. Following laminectomy and clip compression injury at the thoracic 8 (T8)-T9 level of the spinal cord, rats were randomly assigned to five groups: Sham, SCI, and three groups receiving different doses of PLD treatment (1, 2, and 3mg/kg). Over 4weeks, behavioral tests were done such as von Frey, acetone drop, hot plate, Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan, and inclined plane test. At the end of the study, changes in catalase and glutathione activity, nitrite level, activity of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) and MMP9 as well as spinal tissue remyelination/neurogenesis, were evaluated. The results revealed that PLD treatment significantly improved the behavioral performance of the animals starting from the first week after SCI. Additionally, PLD increased catalase, and glutathione levels, and MMP2 activity while reduced serum nitrite levels and MMP9. These positive effects were accompanied by a reduction in the size of the lesion and preservation of neuronal count. In conclusion, PLD showed neuroprotective effects in SCI rats by employing anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, through which improve sensory and motor function.

Leveraging Coffee Waste for Social Impact: A Sustainable Toolkit for Enhancing Sensory Skills and Therapeutic Exercises in Educational and Therapeutic Settings

In an era of increasing focus on sensory development, mental well-being, and sustainability, we present herein a Coffee-Infused Soap-Making Toolkit as an innovative solution to the intersecting challenges born out of these factors. This study aims to develop and assess a novel toolkit designed to integrate sensory stimulation with therapeutic hand exercises while promoting sustainable practices. The problem addressed is a gap in the literature regarding educational and therapeutic tools that are effective and eco-friendly, which simultaneously support sensory and cognitive development. The research employs a descriptive design which is intended to be carried out with a sample of 100 participants, including children with sensory processing issues, older adults with motor function decline, and educators. Data collection will involve both quantitative and qualitative methods, utilizing surveys, structured interviews, and observational data to evaluate the toolkit’s impact on sensory engagement, motor function improvement, and overall well-being. Statistical and thematic analyses will be applied to interpret the data. The aim of this intended research is to determine whether the Coffee-Infused Soap-Making Toolkit, which aligns with sustainable practices by incorporating eco-friendly materials, effectively enhances sensory skills and motor functions by leveraging the tactile and olfactory benefits of coffee grounds, as well as its effectiveness in supporting therapeutic hand exercises. This study underscores the potential of integrating sensory enrichment with sustainability in educational and therapeutic settings, offering practical implications for educators and therapists. The toolkit is not only designed to foster cognitive and motor development, but also exemplifies how environmental responsibility can be embedded into therapeutic interventions. Future research should focus on empirical validation across diverse populations and explore the broader implications of sustainable practices in therapeutic tools.

Midlife sensory and motor functions improve prediction of blood-based measures of neurodegeneration and Alzheimer's disease in late middle-age.

We assessed whether midlife sensory and motor functions added to prediction models using the Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Aging, and Incidence of Dementia Score (CAIDE) and Framingham Risk Score (FRS) improve risk predictions of 10-year changes in biomarkers of neurodegeneration and Alzheimer's disease. Longitudinal data of N=1529 (mean age 49years) Beaver Dam Offspring Study participants from baseline, 5-year, and 10-year follow-up were included. We tested whether including baseline sensory (hearing, vision, olfactory) impairment and motor function measures improves CAIDE or FRS risk predictions of 10-year incidence of biomarker positivity of serum-based neurofilament light chain (NfL) and amyloid beta (Aβ)42/Aβ40 using logistic regression. Adding sensory and motor measures to CAIDE-only and FRS-only models significantly improved NfL and Aβ42/Aβ40 positivity predictions in adults above the age of 55. Including midlife sensory and motor function improved long-term biomarker positivity predictions. Non-invasive sensory and motor assessments could contribute to cost-effective screening tools that identify individuals at risk for neurodegeneration early to target interventions and preventions. Sensory and motor measures improve risk prediction models of neurodegenerative biomarkersSensory and motor measures improve risk prediction models of AD biomarkersPrediction improvements were strongest in late midlife (adults >55 years of age)Sensory and motor assessments may help identify high-risk individuals early.

Midlife sensory and motor functions improve long-term predictions of cognitive decline and incidence of cognitive impairment.

We aimed to assess whether midlife sensory and motor functions improve risk prediction of 10-year cognitive decline and impairment when added to risk prediction models using the Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Aging, and Incidence of Dementia Score (CAIDE) and Framingham Risk Score (FRS). Longitudinal data of N=1529 (mean age 49 years; 54% women) Beaver Dam Offspring Study (BOSS) participants from baseline, 5 and 10-year follow-up were included. We tested whether including baseline sensory (hearing, vision, olfactory) impairment and motor function improves CAIDE or FRS risk predictions of 10-year cognitive decline or cognitive impairment incidence using logistic regressions. Adding sensory and motor measures to CAIDE-only and FRS-only models significantly improved areas under the curve for cognitive decline and impairment models. Including midlife sensory and motor function improved risk predictions of long-term cognitive decline and impairment in middle-aged to older adults. Sensory and motor assessments could contribute to cost-effective and non-invasive screening tools that identify high-risk individuals earlier to target intervention and prevention strategies. Sensory and motor measures improve risk prediction models of cognitive decline.Sensory and motor measures improve risk prediction models of cognitive impairment.Prediction improvements were strongest in midlife (adults<55 years of age).Sensory and motor changes may help identify high-risk individuals early.

A randomized controlled study of auricular point acupressure to manage chemotherapy-induced neuropathy: Study protocol.

Chemotherapy-induced neuropathy (CIN) significantly impacts cancer patients, leading to functional disability, diminished quality of life, and increased healthcare costs amid the ongoing opioid crisis. Auricular point acupressure (APA), a non-invasive and non-pharmacological alternative, has shown potential for alleviating the pain, numbness, and tingling associated with CIN. This study aims to assess the efficacy of APA for CIN symptoms and physical function and to examine the mechanisms underlying APA's effects on CIN. This is a three-arm randomized controlled clinical trial protocol. Patients aged 18 and older who are experiencing CIN are randomly assigned to one of the three groups: an APA group (in-person APA; mAPA), a sham control group (virtual APA; vAPA), and a wait-list usual care control group (UC). During the four-week program, participants in the mAPA receive an in-person APA treatment and training; the sham control participants (vAPA) receive a self-guided smartphone APA application with APA demonstration videos; and the UC participants will continue with the usual care and be re-randomized into one of the APA groups. The primary outcomes are changes in CIN symptoms and physical function. Secondary outcomes include evaluating pain sensory thresholds, motor and cognitive functioning, inflammatory signaling, brain connectivity, opioid use, and quality of life. The outcomes are measured at baseline, program completion (4 weeks), and at monthly follow-up for 3 months post-intervention. This study will provide evidence supporting the potential viability of APA as an intervention for CIN. ClinicalTrials.gov, ID NCT04920097 registered on 3 June 2021.

Non-invasive brain-computer interfaces effectively improve motor function, sensory function, and activities of daily living in patients with spinal cord injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis

After spinal cord injury (SCI), severe motor, sensory, and autonomic dysfunction of the limbs below the injury level occurs, significantly reducing the patient’s ability to perform activities of daily living (ADL) and quality of life. Brain-computer interface (BCI), as a new rehabilitation intervention, can extract brain signals, bypass the diseased segments, and translate them into commands to control external devices to restore the sensory and motor functions of SCI. However, the current high-quality research evidence for BCI treatment of SCI is insufficient, so this review aims to evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of non-invasive BCI training for improving motor, sensory, and ADL in patients with SCI. The BCI-related trial literature was retrieved from seven databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WanFang database, and China Scientific Journals Full Text Database). A total of seven studies (n = 102 patients with SCI) were included for meta-analysis using a fixed-effect model, with effect sizes reported as standardized mean differences. BCI training effectively improve motor function in patients with SCI, especially those in the subacute phase, but to no significant effect in patients with chronic phase. Moreover, the treatment effect of BCI is better when the number of interventions is less than 30 times and a single session lasting longer than 60 minutes is more effective. BCI intervention also showed a positive impact for sensory function and ADL on patients with SCI, and improved quality of life in SCI patients. As a rehabilitation method, BCI has been proven to be effective in improving the motor function of patients with SCI. This provides more choices in future rehabilitation protocols for SCI.

Beyond the limiting gap length: peripheral nerve regeneration through implantable nerve guidance conduits.

Peripheral nerve damage results in the loss of sensorimotor and autonomic functions, which is a significant burden to patients. Furthermore, nerve injuries greater than the limiting gap length require surgical repair. Although autografts are the preferred clinical choice, their usage is impeded by their limited availability, dimensional mismatch, and the sacrifice of another functional donor nerve. Accordingly, nerve guidance conduits, which are tubular scaffolds engineered to provide a biomimetic environment for nerve regeneration, have emerged as alternatives to autografts. Consequently, a few nerve guidance conduits have received clinical approval for the repair of short-mid nerve gaps but failed to regenerate limiting gap damage, which represents the bottleneck of this technology. Thus, it is still necessary to optimize the morphology and constituent materials of conduits. This review summarizes the recent advances in nerve conduit technology. Several manufacturing techniques and conduit designs are discussed, with emphasis on the structural improvement of simple hollow tubes, additive manufacturing techniques, and decellularized grafts. The main objective of this review is to provide a critical overview of nerve guidance conduit technology to support regeneration in long nerve defects, promote future developments, and speed up its clinical translation as a reliable alternative to autografts.

Kinematic Assessment of Upper Limb Movements using the ArmeoPower Robotic Exoskeleton.

After a neurological injury, neurorehabilitation aims to restore sensorimotor function of patients. Technological assessments can provide high-quality data on a patient's performance and support clinical decision making towards the most appropriate therapy. In this study, the ArmeoPower, a robotic exoskeleton for the upper extremities, was used to assess 12 neurological patients and 31 able-bodied participants performing various standardized single joint and frontal plane game-like exercises. From the collected data, kinematic metrics (End-Point Error, Hand-Path Ratio, reaction time, stability, Number of Velocity Peaks, peak, and mean Velocity) and the game score, were calculated and analyzed according to three criteria: the reliability (a), the difference between patients and able-bodied participants (b), as well as the influence of robotic movement assistance (c). In total, 39 metrics were analyzed and the following five most promising assessment variables for different exercises could be identified based on the three above-mentioned criteria: smoothness (RainMug (wrist)), mean speed (RainMug (wrist)), reaction time (Goalkeeper), maximum speed (HighFlyer (elbow)) and accuracy (Connect the dots), with the former showing good validity (rho=0.82, p=0.02) when comparing to the patient's severity level. The results demonstrate feasibility to extract and analyze various kinematic metrics from the ArmeoPower, which can provide quantitative information about human performance during training and therapy. The generated data increases the understanding of the patient's movement and can be used in the future in clinical research for better performance evaluation and providing more feedback options, leading towards a more personalized and patient-centric therapy.

Ab. No. 172 Effect of Neural Mobilization on the Cervicocephalic Kinesthetic Sense in Cervical Radiculopathy Patients With or Without Diabetes Mellitus

Introduction: The study evaluates the effect of neural mobilization on the cervical sensorimotor functions in cervical radiculopathy patients with or without diabetes mellitus. Methods: A Pre - post analysis method based on random sampling was used to assess the combined impact of neural mobilization with cervical traction in cervical radiculopathy patients with or without diabetes mellitus. 87 subjects (n= 87) aged 18-60 years with cervicobrachial pain of recent onset of Diabetes Mellitus less than 5 years. with normal BMI were recruited for this comparative study. Subjects of both the groups will be given 12-15-min treatment sessions (3 times per week for 6 weeks). Cervicocephalic kinaesthetic sensation was assessed - using Laser pointer method (HRT) and were noted along with secondary outcome measures including NDI and NPRS for pain and disability. Result: Cervocephalic kinesthetic sense for both flexion &amp; extension (P=0.006) and right-side flexion (p= 0.0017) and left-side flexion (p=0.001). showed statistically significant difference within both the groups. No other considerable differences were seen between the groups. Similarly, a significant difference (P&lt; 0.05) was seen with increased scores of NDI and NPRS and in the pre-posttest sessions of both the groups. Conclusion: Neural mobilization is an effective technique to improves the cervical kinesthetic sensation in radiculopathy patients with diabetes not directly affecting the course of recovery in early stage of onset. Implications: Exploring the interplay between gait speed and movement time in the upper limbs among individuals without movement disorders is essential for gaining insights into how these factors may vary in people affected by such conditions.

Behavioral Profiling of Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Larvae: Activity, Anxiety, Avoidance, and Startle Response.

Apart from morphological, biochemical, and genetic alterations induced by teratogen compounds, there is an increased interest in characterizing behavioral alterations. Behavior is a sensitive parameter that can provide information regarding developmental disruptions non-invasively. Behavioral disturbances interfere with animals' capacity to cope with the environment, having an impact on the organism's life. Hereby, behavioral assays consisting of recording larvae in multi-well plates, Petri dishes, or cuvettes and video analysis using adequate software, allowing teratogen screening of behavior, are proposed. Examples of how to evaluate locomotor, anxiety-like and avoidance-like behaviors, and the integrity of sensory-motor functions and learning are discussed in this chapter.

Effects of Increased Temperature on Brain and Sensory Development in the Port Jackson Shark (Heterodontus portusjacksoni)

Morphological differences in the peripheral (sensory) and central (brain) nervous system may confer sensory and/or behavioral variation in elasmobranchs, both across taxa and throughout ontogeny. Over the last century, sea surface temperatures have increased over 0.5 °C and are predicted to rise 1–4 °C by the year 2100, potentially affecting species’ physiological performance negatively. As the nervous system of fishes grows continually throughout their lives, it may be highly plastic in response to environmental changes. This study examined the effects of increased rearing temperature on nervous system development in Port Jackson sharks (Heterodontus portusjacksoni). Egg cases (n = 21) were collected from Gulf St. Vincent (Adelaide, SA) and placed into either ambient (17.6 °C) or 3 °C above ambient seawater conditions through hatching and reared for up to five months post-hatch. Relative volumes of the eyes and nose (olfactory rosette) were quantified using magnetic resonance imaging, and relative brain size and size of major brain regions were compared between the two treatment groups. The size of the olfactory bulbs and tegmentum varied significantly between the treatment groups, which suggest differences in primary, secondary, or tertiary sensory processing and/or motor functions at elevated temperatures. While studies on acute responses to environmental conditions cannot inform true adaptation across broad timescales, understanding the effects of increased temperature on the brain phenotype can aid in predicting how elasmobranchs may fare in response to changing ocean conditions.

Effectiveness of the Combined Use of a Brain-Machine Interface System and Virtual Reality as a Therapeutic Approach in Patients with Spinal Cord Injury: A Systematic Review.

Spinal cord injury has a major impact on both the individual and society. This damage can cause permanent loss of sensorimotor functions, leading to structural and functional changes in somatotopic regions of the spinal cord. The combined use of a brain-machine interface and virtual reality offers a therapeutic alternative to be considered in the treatment of this pathology. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the combined use of virtual reality and the brain-machine interface in the treatment of spinal cord injuries. A search was performed in PubMed, Web of Science, PEDro, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CINAHL, Scopus, and Medline, including articles published from the beginning of each database until January 2023. Articles were selected based on strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. The Cochrane Collaboration's tool was used to assess the risk of bias and the PEDro scale and SCIRE systems were used to evaluate the methodological quality of the studies. Eleven articles were selected from a total of eighty-two. Statistically significant changes were found in the upper limb, involving improvements in shoulder and upper arm mobility, and weaker muscles were strengthened. In conclusion, most of the articles analyzed used the electroencephalogram as a measurement instrument for the assessment of various parameters, and most studies have shown improvements. Nonetheless, further research is needed with a larger sample size and long-term follow-up to establish conclusive results regarding the effect size of these interventions.

Afferents to Action: Cortical Proprioceptive Processing Assessed with Corticokinematic Coherence Specifically Relates to Gross Motor Skills.

Voluntary motor control is thought to be predicated on the ability to efficiently integrate and process somatosensory afferent information. However, current approaches in the field of motor control have not factored in objective markers of how the brain tracks incoming somatosensory information. Here, we asked whether motor performance relates to such markers obtained with an analysis of the coupling between peripheral kinematics and cortical oscillations during continuous movements, best known as corticokinematic coherence (CKC). Motor performance was evaluated by measuring both gross and fine motor skills using the Box and Blocks Test (BBT) and the Purdue Pegboard Test (PPT), respectively, and with a biomechanics measure of coordination. A total of 61 participants completed the BBT, while equipped with electroencephalography and electromyography, and the PPT. We evaluated CKC, from the signals collected during the BBT, as the coherence between movement rhythmicity and brain activity, and coordination as the cross-correlation between muscle activity. CKC at movements' first harmonic was positively associated with BBT scores (r = 0.41, p = 0.001), and alone showed no relationship with PPT scores (r = 0.07, p = 0.60), but in synergy with BBT scores, participants with lower PPT scores had higher CKC than expected based on their BBT score. Coordination was not associated with motor performance or CKC (p > 0.05). These findings demonstrate that cortical somatosensory processing in the form of strengthened brain-peripheral coupling is specifically associated with better gross motor skills and thus may be considered as a valuable addition to classical tests of proprioception acuity.

Interhemispheric connectivity dynamics of brain activity indused by cortical spreading depolarization in rats

Growing experimental and clinical evidence indicates the crucial role of network dysfunction in neurological disorders’ pathogenesis, including migraine, one of the most prevalent chronic brain diseases. Episodic headache attacks, frequently unilateral, accompanied by an aura, are associated with migraine. Migraine aura is a neurological condition characterized by the temporary development of unilateral sensory, motor, and/or speech disturbances. The symptoms are thought to indicate transient cerebral dysfunction in the cerebral cortex resulting from cortical spreading depolarization (SD), a wave of strong cellular depolarization that gradually spreads through the cortex at a rate of 3–5 mm/min. Electrophysiologically, the cortical SD wave is revealed by a high-amplitude slow negative shift in the extracellular potential and temporary suppression of the electrical activity of the cortex (EEG depression). The change in extracellular potential is associated with strong neuroglial depolarization and disruption of local ion homeostasis, which lasts for 1–2 min in healthy neuronal tissue. The SD results in a momentary suppression of the spontaneous electrical activity within the cortex, which is preceded by a brief excitation of the neurons. The neurological symptoms of the aura suggest a unilateral impairment of interhemispheric interactions during the early phase of a migraine attack. Our study investigated the effect of unilateral SD (a probable pathophysiological mechanism of migraine aura) on interhemispheric functional communication in freely behaving rats using local field potentials of the visual and motor cortex. Two methods were used to examine connectivity: mutual information function, computed using the method proposed in [1], and phase synchronization, calculated through the method [2], for four frequency bands: delta (1–4 Hz), theta (4–10 Hz), beta (10–25 Hz), and gamma (25–50 Hz). This was done by performing calculations on non-overlapping twenty-second intervals. Functional connectivity evolution was analyzed using local field potential records collected from homotopic points of the motor and visual cortex of two hemispheres in freely moving rats after inducing a single unilateral cortical SD in the somatosensory cortex. Cortical SD caused a significant wide-band decline (3–4 times) in interhemispheric functional connectivity in both the visual and motor cortex areas. Following the depolarization wave, the functional decoupling of the hemispheres began and progressively intensified, concluding by 5 min after the induction of the cortical SD wave. The network impairment displayed region- and frequency-specific features, with greater prominence observed in the visual cortex than in the motor cortex. The decline in functional connectivity was concurrent with abnormal animal behavior and aberrant activity in the ipsilateral cortex that appeared after the SD wave had ended. The study indicated that unilateral SD leads to a reversible decline in the functional interhemispheric connectivity in the awake animal cortex. Given the crucial role of synchronizing cortical oscillations for processing sensory information and integrating sensorimotor functions, the intracortical functional interactions disruption resulting from a unilateral SD wave, which we discovered in our present study, could contribute to the neuropathological mechanisms of migraine aura and sensory processing dysfunction during a migraine attack.

Efficacy of Dashmool Vasti as an adjuvant therapy with the standard of care (modern + physiotherapy) in the rehabilitation of stroke as compared to standard of care – a clinical trial protocol

Background Stroke is ischemia and neurological dysfunction caused by acute brain circulation loss. It causes acute localized neurological abnormalities such as weakness, sensory deficit, or language issues that require long-term treatment. These deficiencies harm the patient and their family psychologically, socially, and economically. Thus, combination treatment can rapidly rehabilitate such patients. Detoxification methods like Ayurvedic medicated enema help stroke pathophysiology. Physical modalities in physiotherapy have been shown to facilitate normal movement and function on the stroke patient’s affected side, increasing independence with everyday duties. A stroke patient may benefit from Dashmoola Niruha Vasti, Function Electrical Stimulation (FES), and Motor Relearning Programme (MRP). Aim &amp; Objectives This study compares the adjuvant role of Dashmoola Vasti with MRP and FES in stroke recovery. The main goals of this study are to assess and compare the adjuvant role of Dashmoola Vasti with standard control over sensorimotor function of lower extremities; static &amp; dynamic balance in stroke patients; gait parameters; resistance experienced during passive range of motion; quality of life of patients; Barthel Index; Modified Ashworth Scale; and Fuglmeyer assessment, Single Limb Stance Test, Functional Reach Test. Methods A total of 40 patients will be enrolled and divided randomly into two equal groups. In Group A (control), standard treatment (modern + physiotherapy) will be prescribed for one month. In Group B (interventional group), Dashmoola Vasti will be added to the afore-said standard treatment for one month. Expected results Improvement in Fuglmeyer assessment, Single Limb Stance Test, Functional reach test, quality of life of patients, Barthel Index, Modified Ashworth scale and National Institute of Health (NIH) stroke-scale-score, will be observed and recorded. Conclusions Results and conclusions will be derived according to the data collected in case record form and assessment sheets filled at baseline and follow-up visits. Trial registration CTRI/2021/10/037445 dated 21.10.2021.

PEG-chitosan (Neuro-PEG) induced restoration of motor function after complete transection of the dorsal spinal cord in swine. A pilot study

Background: Spinal cord injury (SCI) remains an unmet medical need. Recently, fusogens, such as polyethylene glycol (PEG), have been proven effective in restoring sensorimotor function after complete transection of the spinal cord at different levels and in different species. Here, we report on the use of a PEG-chitosan combo in a different animal model (swine). Methods: Five Hungarian Mangalica pigs were subjected to complete transection of the thoracic cord (T7-9). Three animals were treated with locally injected PEG-chitosan (Neuro-PEG) gel; two acted as controls. PEG-600 was also injected intra- and post-operatively intravenously. Animals were submitted to rehabilitation, including electrical myostimulation. Results were assessed after 60 days using the Individual Limb Motor Score, the Porcine Thoracic Spinal Cord Injured Behavioral Scale, and the modified motor Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan scale; sensory and sphincter functions were also assessed. Animals underwent in vivo spinal cord tracing with DiI. Immunofluorescence histology included NF-200, DAPI, and a fluorochrome-conjugated secondary antibody. Results: Starting on postoperative day (POD) 2, neuro-PEG-treated animals evinced the first signs of recovery, and on POD 60, they could all support their weight and were mobile. Controls never recovered any useful function. Fluorescence microscopy in the experimental group revealed axons passing through the site of injury, while degenerative post-traumatic changes were noted in controls. Conclusion: Neuro-PEG affords sensorimotor recovery after complete spinal cord transection. This opens the door to human experimentation, including trials of spinal cord transplantation.

When the central integrator disintegrates: A review of the role of the thalamus in cognition and dementia.

The thalamus is a complex neural structure with numerous anatomical subdivisions and intricate connectivity patterns. In recent decades, the traditional view of the thalamus as a relay station and "gateway to the cortex" has expanded in recognition of its role as a central integrator of inputs from sensory systems, cortex, basal ganglia, limbic systems, brain stem nuclei, and cerebellum. As such, the thalamus is critical for numerous aspects of human cognition, mood, and behavior, as well as serving sensory processing and motor functions. Thalamus pathology is an important contributor to cognitive and functional decline, and it might be argued that the thalamus has been somewhat overlooked as an important player in dementia. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of thalamus anatomy and function, with an emphasis on human cognition and behavior, and discuss emerging insights on the role of thalamus pathology in dementia.

Covid‐19 may have a detrimental impact on sensorimotor function

AbstractBackgroundThe long‐term impact of COVID‐19 on global health is still unknown. Sensorimotor biomarkers may be promising indicators of lasting effects of COVID‐19. Although normal aging may cause changes in sensorimotor function, more severe changes may indicate the subsequent impacts of COVID‐19 on brain health. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between COVID‐19 and sensorimotor markers (grip strength, gait, and smell) in the 7T neuroCOVID consortium, which is comprised of 5 sites: The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Houston Methodist Research Institute, The University of Pittsburgh, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Nottingham University (UK).MethodsWe studied 101 adult participants (mean age 60.9 ± 8.5 years, range 45‐80 years, 51% women) without prior cognitive impairment or cerebrovascular disease from the 7T consortium across 3 US and 1 UK sites. The sample included 77 COVID‐19 survivors and 24 healthy controls. Sensorimotor markers were measured for olfaction (n = 59; 12‐item Brief Smell Identification Test (B‐SIT)), grip strength (n = 97; measured using a hand dynamometer), and Gait (n = 101; 4‐meter normal walk time and n = 99; 4‐meter fast‐paced walk time). To assess the association between COVID‐19 and sensorimotor outcomes, we performed a series of linear regression models adjusting for age, sex, site, and handedness (grip strength only). Statistical significance was set at a 5% level.ResultsAs compared to healthy controls, COVID‐19 survivors, on average had a significantly reduced hand grip in the right hand (β ± standard error: ‐0.18 ± 0.07, p = 0.006). We also observed associations with reduced gait speed. COVID‐19 survivors, on average, had a slower walk time in both normal (0.17 ± 0.06, p = 0.004) and fast‐paced (0.04 ± 0.02, p = 0.022) as compared to healthy controls. We did not observe any statistical associations between COVID‐19 survivors and left‐hand grip strength or B‐SIT.ConclusionsThese results highlight that Covid‐19 infection may have a detrimental impact on sensorimotor function. Additional analysis with a larger sample size are ongoing, which will allow us to further assess the effect of infection severity. Future studies will look to evaluate the association between sensorimotor markers, cognition, and ultra‐high field 7T MRI‐based imaging markers. Funding:R56AG074467P30AG066546

Racial differences in the effect of APOE‐ε4 genotypes on trail making test B in Alzheimer's disease: A longitudinal study

AbstractObjectivesThe trail making test part B (TMT‐B) evaluates executive functions, memory, and sensorimotor functions. No previous study was found to examine the longitudinal effect of APOE‐ε4 genotypes on the TMT‐B scores in Alzheimer's disease (AD) across racial groups.MethodsThis study used the data from Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI): 382 participants with AD, 503 with cognitive normal (CN), 1293 with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) at baseline and follow‐up of four years. The multivariable linear mixed model was used to investigate the effect of APOE‐ε4 genotypes on changes in TMT‐B scores.ResultsCompared with Whites, African Americans (AA) and Hispanics had higher TMT‐B scores (poor cognitive function). Furthermore, Whites subjects with 1 or 2 APOE‐ε4 alleles had significantly higher TMT‐B scores compared with individuals without APOE‐ε4 allele at baseline and four follow‐up visits; however, no differences in TMT‐B were found between APOE‐ε4 alleles in the Hispanic and AA groups. No APOE‐ε4 by visit interactions was found for 3 racial groups. Stratified by AD diagnosis, the APOE‐ε4 allele was associated with TMT‐B scores only in the MCI group, while there were significant interactions for visit by education, APOE‐ε4 allele, and the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) score in the MCI group. In addition, TMT‐B was significantly correlated with the MMSE, AD Assessment Scale‐cognitive subscale 13 (ADAS13), tTau, pTau, Aβ42, and hippocampus.ConclusionsAPOE‐ɛ4 allele is associated with TMT‐B scores in Whites subjects, but not in the Hispanic and AA groups. APOE‐ε4 showed interaction with visit in the MCI group.

Evaluation of occupational and non-occupational risk factors associated with carpal tunnel syndrome-related symptoms in office workers

Abstract Background : While the main occupational and non-occupational risk factors associated with carpal tunnel syndrome are known, we still need to understand which of these factors has a stronger correlation with carpal tunnel-related symptoms in office workers and to improve future work-space recommendations accordingly. Objective : This study aimed to investigate the relationship between occupational and non-occupational risk factors and carpal tunnel syndrome-related symptoms among office workers who use a computer in their dayto-day activities. Methods : The data used in this study were collected from May to September 2022 through an online questionnaire from one respondent to another through different forms of social media, using the snowball method. The recorded data were further analysed using an SPSS program. In this way, we analysed quantitative variables by calculating the means, the medians, the standard deviation and the normal distribution and qualitative variables by reporting them as absolute values and percentages of the total. We compared different subgroups of samples using the chi-square test and the binary regression method. A p-value of less than 0.05 was the threshold of statistical significance. Results : This study evaluated 130 office workers and identified and analysed the complex relationships between occupational and non-occupational risk factors of CTS and CTS symptoms grouped as pain, sensory function impairment and motor function impairment. Through data analysis and further logistic regression analysis, we concluded that while sensory function impairment is mostly associated with occupational factors such as computer typing with one hand, pain and motor function impairment are associated with both non-occupational, well-known risk factors (female sex, high BMI) and number of hours on the computer outside of work, and occupational risk factors like using both a mouse and an external keyboard, having a chair with adequate arm support and typing with one hand. Conclusion : Both occupational and non-occupational risk factors contribute to the development of CTS-related symptoms. Our dataset highlights the complex relationship between CTS occupational and non-occupational risk factors in office workers, thus providing insights for future workplace recommendations and preventive strategies.