Use Of Neuroimaging Techniques Research Articles

Return to Play Following Concussion: Role for Imaging?

This review surveys concussion management, focusing on the use of neuroimaging techniques in return to play (RTP) decisions. Clinical assessments traditionally were the foundation of concussion diagnoses. However, their subjective nature prompted an exploration of neuroimaging modalities to enhance diagnosis and management. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy provides information about metabolic changes and alterations in the absence of structural abnormalities. Diffusion tensor imaging uncovers microstructural changes in white matter. Functional magnetic resonance imaging assesses neuronal activity to reveal changes in cognitive and sensorimotor functions. Positron emission tomography can assess metabolic disturbances using radiotracers, offering insight into the long-term effects of concussions. Vestibulo-ocular dysfunction screening and eye tracking assess vestibular and oculomotor function. Although these neuroimaging techniques demonstrate promise, continued research and standardization are needed before they can be integrated into the clinical setting. This review emphasizes the potential for neuroimaging in enhancing the accuracy of concussion diagnosis and guiding RTP decisions.

Unraveling neural complexity: Exploring brain entropy to yield mechanistic insight in neuromodulation therapies for tobacco use disorder

Abstract Neuromodulation therapies, such as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), have shown promise as treatments for tobacco use disorder (TUD). However, the underlying mechanisms of these therapies remain unclear, which may hamper optimization and personalization efforts. In this study, we investigated alteration of brain entropy as a potential mechanism underlying the neural effects of noninvasive brain stimulation by rTMS in people with TUD. We employed sample entropy (SampEn) to quantify the complexity and predictability of brain activity measured using resting-state fMRI data. Our study design included a randomized single-blind study with 42 participants who underwent 2 data collection sessions. During each session, participants received high-frequency (10 Hz) stimulation to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) or a control region (visual cortex), and resting-state fMRI scans were acquired before and after rTMS. Our findings revealed that individuals who smoke exhibited higher baseline SampEn throughout the brain as compared to previously-published SampEn measurements in control participants. Furthermore, high-frequency rTMS to the dlPFC but not the control region reduced SampEn in the insula and dlPFC, regions implicated in TUD, and also reduced self-reported cigarette craving. These results suggest that brain entropy may serve as a potential biomarker for effects of rTMS, and provide insight into the neural mechanisms underlying rTMS effects on smoking cessation. Our study contributes to the growing understanding of brain-based interventions for TUD by highlighting the relevance of brain entropy in characterizing neural activity patterns associated with smoking. The observed reductions in entropy following dlPFC-targeted rTMS suggest a potential mechanism for the therapeutic effects of this intervention. These findings support the use of neuroimaging techniques to investigate the use of neuromodulation therapies for TUD.

Exploring the technological dimension of Autonomous sensory meridian response-induced physiological responses.

In recent years, the scientific community has been captivated by the intriguing Autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR), a unique phenomenon characterized by tingling sensations originating from the scalp and propagating down the spine. While anecdotal evidence suggests the therapeutic potential of ASMR, the field has witnessed a surge of scientific interest, particularly through the use of neuroimaging techniques including functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) as well as electroencephalography (EEG) and physiological measures such as eye tracking (Pupil Diameter), heart rate (HR), heartbeat-evoked potential (HEP), blood pressure (BP), pulse rates (PR), finger photoplethysmography (PPG), and skin conductance (SC). This article is intended to provide a comprehensive overview of technology's contributions to the scientific elucidation of ASMR mechanisms. A meticulous literature review was undertaken to identify studies that have examined ASMR using EEG and physiological measurements. The comprehensive search was conducted across databases such as PUBMED, SCOPUS, and IEEE, using a range of relevant keywords such as 'ASMR', 'Autonomous sensory meridian response', 'EEG', 'fMRI', 'electroencephalography', 'physiological measures', 'heart rate', 'skin conductance', and 'eye tracking'. This rigorous process yielded a substantial number of 63 PUBMED and 166 SCOPUS-related articles, ensuring the inclusion of a wide range of high-quality research in this review. The review uncovered a body of research utilizing EEG and physiological measures to explore ASMR's effects. EEG studies have revealed distinct patterns of brain activity associated with ASMR experiences, particularly in regions implicated in emotional processing and sensory integration. In physiological measurements, a decrease in HR and an increase in SC and pupil diameter indicate relaxation and increased attention during ASMR-triggered stimuli. The findings of this review underscore the significance of EEG and physiological measures in unraveling the psychological and physiological effects of ASMR. ASMR experiences have been associated with unique neural signatures, while physiological measures provide valuable insights into the autonomic responses elicited by ASMR stimuli. This review not only highlights the interdisciplinary nature of ASMR research but also emphasizes the need for further investigation to elucidate the mechanisms underlying ASMR and explore its potential therapeutic applications, thereby paving the way for the development of novel therapeutic interventions.

Zastosowanie osiągnięć neuronauki w procesie wspomagania rehabilitacji osób z niepełnosprawnością – przykładowe badania

The article presents the issue of nervous systems and the neural correlate of information processing in the contextof the application of research results in this area in the process of supporting the rehabilitation of people with disabilities. The currently dynamically developing science of the borderland called “neuroscience” was presented, which is a great opportunity for special pedagogy to appear in its system, especially in the area of issues related to diagnosis and rehabilitation. The aim was to answer the question: What cognitive and research inspirations result from supporting the rehabilitation of people with disabilities with the achievements of neuroscience? The application of its achievements in the rehabilitation of people with disabilities has a complementary task, supporting an effective rehabilitation process in its practical dimension. The concept of a damaged brain of a disabled person was presented as a very general and imprecise one, resulting from diseases, injuries or developmental disorders, but which fundamentally affects the functioning of various areas of the brain, causing various symptoms and functional disorders. The essential and original part of the article is based on the latest literature on the subject, a review of the results of research on the brain work of people with various types of disabilities, made with the use of neuroimaging techniques. The concept of neuroplasticity was discussed in the context of obtaining an answer to the question: Can a damaged brain repair itself and how? By restoring, not bypassing, damaged or destroyed neural pathways. In conclusion, it was indicated that the intended effect of the discussed research is to create theoretical and empirical foundations for developing models of the functional architecture of the brain of a person with a specific type of disability, taking into account their individual capabilities, needs and even interests.

Effectiveness of the Neuroimaging Techniques in the Recognition of Psychiatric Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of RCTs.

Neuroimaging has helped us learn about the stages of brain development from infancy to maturity. Neuroimaging helps physicians diagnose mental illnesses and find novel treatments for them. It can distinguish depression from neurodegenerative diseases or brain tumors, and it can reveal structural defects that cause psychosis. Psychosis has been linked to lesions in the frontal or temporal lobes of the brain, as well as the thalamus and hypothalamus, which can be detected using a brain scan for mental illnesses. Neuroimaging uses quantitative and computational methods to explore the central nervous system. It can detect brain injuries and psychological illnesses. Thus, a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials using neuroimaging to detect psychiatric disorders assessed their efficacy and benefits. Appropriate articles were searched from PubMed, MEDLINE, and CENTRAL databases using the appropriate keywords as per the PRISMA guidelines. Randomized controlled trials and open-label studies were included as per the predefined PICOS criteria. Meta-analysis was performed using the RevMan software, and statistical parameters like odds ratio and risk difference were calculated. Twelve randomized controlled clinical trials with a total of 655 psychiatric patients were included following the criteria from the year 2000 to 2022. We included studies that use different neuroimaging techniques for the detection of organic brain lesions that would help diagnose psychiatric disorders. The primary outcome was detecting brain abnormalities in diverse psychiatric illnesses with neuroimaging versus conventional methods. We found the odds ratio value of 2.29 (95% CI 1.49-3.51). The results were heterogeneous with a Tau2 value of 0.38, chi2 value of 35.48, df value of 11, I2 value of 69%, the z value of 3.78, and p-value less than 0.05. The risk difference is 0.20 (95% CI 0.09 -0.31) with heterogeneity of Tau2 value of 0.03, chi2 value of 50, df value of 11, I2 value of 78%, the z value of 3.49, and p-value less than 0.05. The present meta-analysis strongly recommends the use of neuroimaging techniques for the detection of psychiatric disorders.

Neuro-Vulnerability in Energy Metabolism Regulation: A Comprehensive Narrative Review.

This comprehensive narrative review explores the concept of neuro-vulnerability in energy metabolism regulation and its implications for metabolic disorders. The review highlights the complex interactions among the neural, hormonal, and metabolic pathways involved in the regulation of energy metabolism. The key topics discussed include the role of organs, hormones, and neural circuits in maintaining metabolic balance. The review investigates the association between neuro-vulnerability and metabolic disorders, such as obesity, insulin resistance, and eating disorders, considering genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors that influence neuro-vulnerability and subsequent metabolic dysregulation. Neuroendocrine interactions and the neural regulation of food intake and energy expenditure are examined, with a focus on the impact of neuro-vulnerability on appetite dysregulation and altered energy expenditure. The role of neuroinflammation in metabolic health and neuro-vulnerability is discussed, emphasizing the bidirectional relationship between metabolic dysregulation and neuroinflammatory processes. This review also evaluates the use of neuroimaging techniques in studying neuro-vulnerability and their potential applications in clinical settings. Furthermore, the association between neuro-vulnerability and eating disorders, as well as its contribution to obesity, is examined. Potential therapeutic interventions targeting neuro-vulnerability, including pharmacological treatments and lifestyle modifications, are reviewed. In conclusion, understanding the concept of neuro-vulnerability in energy metabolism regulation is crucial for addressing metabolic disorders. This review provides valuable insights into the underlying neurobiological mechanisms and their implications for metabolic health. Targeting neuro-vulnerability holds promise for developing innovative strategies in the prevention and treatment of metabolic disorders, ultimately improving metabolic health outcomes.

Neurocircuitry of Personality Traits and Intent in Decision-Making.

Even though most personality features are moderately stable throughout life, changes can be observed, which influence one's behavioral patterns. A variety of subjective assessments can be performed to track these changes; however, the subjective characteristic of these assessments may lead to questions about intentions and values. The use of neuroimaging techniques may aid the investigation of personality traits through a more objective lens, overcoming the barriers imposed by confounders. Here, neurocircuits associated with changes in personality domains were investigated to address this issue. Cortical systems involved in traits such as extraversion and neuroticism were found to share multiple components, as did traits of agreeableness and conscientiousness, with these four features revolving around the activation and structural integrity of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). The attribute of openness appears scattered throughout cortical and subcortical regions, being discussed here as a possible reflection of intent, at the same time modulating and being governed by other traits. Insights on how systems operate on personality may increase comprehension on factors acting on the evolution, development, and consolidation of personality traits through life, as in neurocognitive disorders.

Prescription psychostimulants as a harm reduction and treatment intervention for methamphetamine use disorder and the implications for nursing clinical practice: A scoping review of the literature.

The global rise in methamphetamine use and its negative effects warrants the need for research exploring harm reduction and treatment interventions for individuals with methamphetamine use disorder. Agonist medications have been utilized for years for the treatment of heroin and opioid addiction, but have yet to be incorporated into mainstream Canadian practice for methamphetamine dependence. This review aims to provide an overview of the current trends of prescription psychostimulant usage for individuals with methamphetamine use disorder from a Canadian perspective, identifies the barriers to accessing prescription psychostimulants for methamphetamine use disorder and highlights the nursing clinical practice implications in caring for individuals with the disorder. Discourse on the sustained abstinence and harm reduction debate is presented from the perspective of methamphetamine abuse is provided along with the neuropsychiatric complications of chronic methamphetamine use. The impacts of specific prescription psychostimulants on cognition are discussed as is the use of neuroimaging techniques to assess neuronal damage in methamphetamine users. Sign of toxicity, overdose and the contraindications for use of these prescription psychostimulants is also presented. The implications to nursing clinical practice in caring for this population is provided, touching on the clinical presentation of methamphetamine use, completing thorough assessment and screening and patient education. The findings of this review indicate the need for further research in this area exploring the benefits of prescription psychostimulants as a harm reduction and treatment intervention for the global problem of methamphetamine dependence.

NIMG-28. USE OF NEUROIMAGING TECHNIQUES IN GLIOMA PATIENTS – RESULTS OF AN INTERNATIONAL SURVEY ON BEHALF OF THE EORTC BRAIN TUMOR GROUP

Abstract BACKGROUND Multimodal imaging offers the potential to provide valuable diagnostic information in brain tumor patients. Considering the increasing number and availability of advanced neuroimaging techniques, selecting, and applying the best modality may be therefore difficult. The present survey was carried out to evaluate the preferred use of various neuroimaging applications in patients with glioma. METHODS An online survey with 31 questions was distributed to 262 centers associated with the EORTC located in 34 countries. Subsequently, this survey was promoted by EANO and SNO via social media and newsletters. RESULTS A total of 77 responses, predominantly from radiation oncologists (36%) and neurooncologists (31%), were evaluated. Most responses came from university hospitals and research institutions (68%), mainly from Europe (89%). Almost half of these centers (48%) examined more than 100 glioma patients per year. All institutions had access to MRI, 94% to CT, 67% to PET or PET/CT, and 27% to hybrid PET/MRI. A total of 56% of institutions used RANO criteria for the evaluation of imaging findings. In addition to structural MRI, most institutions routinely performed advanced MRI, followed by CT, PET, and hybrid PET/CT (74%, 42%, 32%, and 23%, respectively). Regarding PET, 64% of centers used the amino acid tracer O-(2-[18F]fluoroethyl)-L-tyrosine, followed by 2-[18F]-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (45%). Twenty-five percent of centers performed intraoperative MRI, and 10% intraoperative CT. In addition to structural MRI, the preferred additional imaging methods were perfusion-weighted MRI, diffusion-weighted MRI, amino acid PET, and proton MR spectroscopy (83%, 75%, 60% and 56%, respectively). CONCLUSION The results of this international survey provide insights into the use of neuroimaging techniques in neuro-oncology centers. The availability, use, and assessment of neuroimaging in glioma patients varies from country to country. Our results highlight the importance of global activities towards further standardization of neuroimaging in brain tumor patients, such as the RANO working groups.

Imaging synaptic density in depression.

Major depressive disorder is a prevalent and heterogeneous disorder with treatment resistance in at least 50% of individuals. Most of the initial studies focused on the monoamine system; however, recently other mechanisms have come under investigation. Specific to the current issue, studies show synaptic involvement in depression. Other articles in this issue report on reductions in synaptic density, dendritic spines, boutons and glia associated with stress and depression. Importantly, it appears that some drugs (e.g., ketamine) may lead to rapid synaptic restoration or synaptogenesis. Direct evidence for this comes from preclinical work. However, neuroimaging studies, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET), have become useful in assessing these changes in vivo. Here, we describe the use of neuroimaging techniques in the evaluation of synaptic alterations associated with depression in humans, as well as measurement of synaptic restoration after administration of ketamine. Although more research is desired, use of these techniques widen our understanding of depression and move us further along the path to targeted and effective treatment for depression.

Socio-Economic Disparities in Access to Diagnostic Neuroimaging Services in the United Kingdom: A Systematic Review.

Socio-economic factors affecting health care can lead to delays in diagnosis of neurological conditions, consequentially affecting treatment and morbidity rates. This inequality in health care can leave patients from lower socio-economic backgrounds more vulnerable to a poorer quality of care from health care providers in the United Kingdom (U.K.). Aims: In this systematic review, we assess the impact of socio-economic status on the use of diagnostic neuroimaging in the U.K., measured by the timeliness, accessibility and appropriate use of computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasonography, electroencephalography (EEG) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). We specifically evaluate the non-surgical use of neuroimaging techniques as this relies on the judgment of primary care-givers (e.g., doctors and radiologists), where health disparities are most common. This study includes the analysis of diagnostic imaging used for dementia, minor head injury, stroke, cancer, epilepsy, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy and Parkinson’s disease. With this study, we aim to assess the health inequalities at disease diagnosis. Methods: Using Medline (via Ovid), PubMed and Web of Science databases as sources of information, we critically appraise existing studies on neuroimaging use in the U.K. health care system, published between January 2010 and February 2021. Findings: A total of 18 studies were included in this research, revealing that there was an increase in patients of Black and Asian communities diagnosed with dementia and at an earlier age. There was little evidence to suggest that a lack of access to diagnostic imaging is associated with socio-economic status. However, there are data to suggest that people of a lower socio-economic background require more specialist services with diagnostic neuroimaging tools. In addition, there is evidence to suggest that diagnostic neuroimaging techniques could be utilised more effectively by health care workers to prevent unnecessary delays in diagnosis for patients in lower socio-economic areas.

Clinical and Radiological Findings in Children with Cerebral Sinovenous Thrombosis

Objective: Cerebral sinovenous thrombosis (CSVT) is increasingly recognized in children with advanced use of neuroimaging techniques. In this study, we aimed to present clinical and radiologic features of CSVT in children. Material and Methods: Children aged 1 month to 18 years old diagnosed with CSVT were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic and clinical data of patients including age at diagnosis, sex, presenting symptoms and signs, risk factors for thrombosis, treatment and prognosis were collected. Results: Twelve children were included in the study, 8 of them were male. Headache (n=7), seizures (n=5) and visual impairment (n=4) were the most common presenting symptoms. The superficial venous system was involved in all patients, in five patients deep venous system was also involved. Parenchymal involvement was present in three patients. Two children had isolated cortical vein thrombosis. All patients had underlying risk factors. Five children had recent infections, six children were diagnosed with Behçet’s disease, three with mastoiditis. High lipoprotein (a) level was found in two patients. One patient had a diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia and received l-asparaginase treatment. All patients were treated with anticoagulants. One patient received tissue plasminogen activator, complicated with intracranial bleeding. Three patients with parenchymal involvement had moderate to severe motor impairment. All patients presenting with seizure had parenchymal involvement and followed up with epilepsy. Conclusion: CSVT causes significant morbidity. Especially in older children presenting with CSVT, symptoms and signs of Behçet’s disease should be questioned. Mastoiditis is still an important reason for CSVT in children.

Occipital Encephalocele: Cause, Incidence, Neuroimaging and Surgical Management.

AimsTo review and present the current knowledge of incidence, signs and symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of the occipital encephalocele.BackgroundEncephalocele (E) is a defect of the neural tube that refers to congenital malformations featured by skull defect and dura with extracranial spread of intracranial structures. Occipital encephalocele (OE) are the most common form of this congenital disorder and are manifested as a swelling of different sizes over the occipital bone in the midline. Proper diagnosis and treatment is highly important in the management of this congenital malformation of brain.ObjectiveTo review and present the current knowledge of incidence, signs and symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of the occipital encephaloceleMethodsWe conducted a search of case reports or case-series of patients by the use of electronic databases: Pub Med, Medline, Index Medicus, Scorpus. The key words were: encephalocele, occipital encephalocele, neural tube defect, congenital malformation. The search was updated to December 31, 2018. Papers published in English were the only source of information.ResultsOccipital encephalocelle are more frequent in females than in males. The incidence is between 1 in 3000 to 1 in 10,000 live births; approximately 90% of them involve the midline. Magnetic resonance imaging is the method of choice in diagnosis and surgery is the best option for the treatment of OE. Overall morbidity and mortality is still high in spite of advenced surgical management, but have been significantly improved in recent years thanks to sophisticated high-resolution imaging, adequate and proper surgical treatment and decent post-operative care.ConclusionOccipital encephalocele is the most common form of encephalocele. The diagnosis is mostly based by the use of neuroimaging techniques. Operation is the best option for treatment. Overall morbidity and mortality is still high, but have been significantly improved in recent years thanks to sophisticated high-resolution imaging, adequate and proper surgical treatment and decent post-operative care.

Neuromodulation in Schizophrenia: Relevance of Neuroimaging

This review focuses on discussing the recent evidences that demonstrate the relevance of neuroimaging in the context of neuromodulation in schizophrenia. Neuromodulation techniques have been used in the treatment of various psychiatric disorders including schizophrenia. In the past few decades, neuroimaging guided neuromodulation interventions, proven to improve effectiveness and accuracy of intervention. Neuroimaging techniques also predict the efficacy as well as prognosis of the neuromodulation intervention. Many of the existing evidences are preliminary and limited by small sample size. There is a need for the use of neuroimaging techniques in combination with neuromodulation interventions in patients with schizophrenia to have better insight into the treatment and outcome.

Beyond BCI—Validating a wireless, consumer-grade EEG headset against a medical-grade system for evaluating EEG effects of a test anxiety intervention in school

Educational neuroscience is an emerging interdisciplinary field. However, the use of neuroimaging techniques and tools such as electroencephalography (EEG) in school-based interventions and research is limited, largely due to the high costs and physical constraints of conventional research- or medical-grade equipment. Neuroimaging and electrophysiological data can provide useful evidence to validate the efficacy of interventions. The present study explores the utility of lightweight, affordable, and easy-to-set-up EEG systems for use in school-based research with children. Specifically, we examine the effects of a deep-breathing-for-test-anxiety intervention on brain electrical activity during a flanker distractor interference task in eleven-year olds, comparing the pattern of results observed using a consumer-grade EEG system (Emotiv EPOC+) against that obtained using a medical-grade EEG system (Neurostyle). Behavioral, EEG, and respiratory data was obtained from Primary 5 students (N = 45; Mage = 10.88, SD = 0.33), split into Emotiv and Neurostyle groups. The aim of the study was two-fold: to examine the effects of deep breathing on neurophysiological and behavioral correlates of inhibitory control of attention in children, and to understand the affordances and limitations of the Emotiv EPOC+ system for school-based research with children. Results from power spectral analyses suggest that deep breathing may enhance attentional control on a neural level by modulating brain electrical activity on several frequencies. Despite limitations, the consumer-grade EEG system appears to be capable of detecting some degree of power spectral differences associated with intervention effects.

The Contribution of Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging to the Understanding of the Effects of Acute Physical Exercise on Cognition.

The fact that a single bout of acute physical exercise has a positive impact on cognition is well-established in the literature, but the neural correlates that underlie these cognitive improvements are not well understood. Here, the use of neuroimaging techniques, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), offers great potential, which is just starting to be recognized. This review aims at providing an overview of those studies that used fMRI to investigate the effects of acute physical exercises on cerebral hemodynamics and cognition. To this end, a systematic literature survey was conducted by two independent reviewers across five electronic databases. The search returned 668 studies, of which 14 studies met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed in this systematic review. Although the findings of the reviewed studies suggest that acute physical exercise (e.g., cycling) leads to profound changes in functional brain activation, the small number of available studies and the great variability in the study protocols limits the conclusions that can be drawn with certainty. In order to overcome these limitations, new, more well-designed trials are needed that (i) use a more rigorous study design, (ii) apply more sophisticated filter methods in fMRI data analysis, (iii) describe the applied processing steps of fMRI data analysis in more detail, and (iv) provide a more precise exercise prescription.

The Art of Influencing Consumer Choices: A Reflection on Recent Advances in Decision Neuroscience.

In recent years, our knowledge concerning the neurobiology of choice has increased tremendously. Research in the field of decision-making has identified important brain mechanisms by which a representation of the subjective value of an option is built based on previous experience, retrieved and compared to that of other available options in order to make a choice. One body of research, in particular, has focused on simple value-based choices (e.g., choices between two types of fruits) to study situations very similar to our daily life decisions as consumers. The use of neuroimaging techniques has deepened and refined our knowledge of decision processes. Additionally, computational approaches have helped identifying and describing the mechanisms underlying newly found components of the decisional process. They provide mechanistic explanations for diverse biases that can drive decision makers away from their own preferences or from rational choices. It is now clear that both attentional and affective factors can exert robust effects on an individual’s decisions. Because these factors can be manipulated externally, academic research and theories are of great interest to the marketing industry. This approach is becoming increasingly effective in manipulating consumer behavior and has the potential to become even more effective in the future. Another line of research has revealed differences in the decision-making neural circuitry that underlie sub-optimal choice behavior, rendering some individuals particularly vulnerable to marketing strategies. As neuroscientists, we wonder whether relevant institutions should direct their efforts toward raising citizens’ awareness, demanding more transparency on marketing applications and regulate the most pervasive communication techniques in marketing, in view of their current use and of recent research progress.

Difficulties in diagnosing sacroiliitis in young patients

In real clinical practice, back pain in young patients is associated with neurological manifestations of degenerative changes in the lumbosacral spine. However, such complaints may be a manifestation of a lesion of the sacroiliac joint-sacroiliitis, and degenerative changes in the spine may accompany it, but not cause pain. Sacroiliitis is an inflammatory lesion of the sacroiliac joint, which can develop as an independent disease or as a symptom of another nosology. The causes of this pathology are diverse: injuries, long-term overloading of the joint, congenital abnormalities of the joints, infectious or systemic diseases, and tumors. In neurological practice, sacroiliitis is similar to myofascial syndromes and can disguise as degenerative diseases of the spine, so early diagnosis and proper therapy are of particular importance. Awareness of doctors about the features of examination of young patients, the use of neuroimaging techniques (CT, MRI), laboratory diagnostics, will help to improve the results of therapy. Prescription of NSAIDs with a pronounced anti-inflammatory potential will slow down the progression of the inflammatory process.

Human brain and financial behavior: a neurofinance perspective

PurposeThis study aims to review the relationship between neurological processes and financial behavior from an interdisciplinary perspective. Individual decision-making is influenced by cognitive and affective biases; hence, it becomes pertinent to understand the origin of these biases. Neurofinance is an emerging field of finance budding from neuroeconomics and explains the relationship between human brain activity and financial behavior, drawn from interdisciplinary fields, including neurology, psychology and finance.Design/methodology/approachThis conceptual paper extensively reviews the extant literature and performs meta-analysis to attain its research objectives.FindingsThe paper highlights the use of neuroimaging techniques in mapping the brain areas to help understand the processes in the higher cognitive areas of brain. The paper raises some new questions regarding individual preferences and choices while making financial or non-financial decisions.Originality/valueThe special focus on dysfunctions arising in brain because of injury and their impact on decision-making is also a key point in this paper and is summarized using meta-analytic forest plot. The existing literature provides instances where emotional processing is altered by injury in brain and may lead to more advantageous decisions, especially in risky situations.

Variability in the use of neuroimaging techniques for diagnosis and follow-up of stroke patients

Introduction and objectiveImaging diagnosis is essential for treatment planning in stroke patients. However, use of these techniques varies due to uncertainty about their effectiveness. Our purpose was to describe the use of CT and MRI in stroke and transient ischaemic attack (TIA) over 5 years in hospitals belonging to the Canary Islands Health Service and analyse interhospital variability based on routinely collected administrative data. Patients and methodWe gathered the minimum basic dataset (MBDS) from patients diagnosed with stroke or TIA between 2005 and 2010 in 4 hospitals. Patients’ age, sex, procedures, secondary diagnoses, and duration of hospital stay were also recorded.We conducted a descriptive analysis of patient characteristics and a bivariate analysis using the t test and the chi square test to detect differences between patients assessed and not assessed with MRI. Logistic regression was used to analyse unequal access to MRI. Results and conclusionsOur study included 10487 patients (8571 with stroke and 1916 with TIA). The percentage of stroke patients undergoing a CT scan increased from 89.47% in 2005 to 91.50% in 2010. In these patients, use of MRI also increased from 25.41% in 2005 to 36.02% in 2010. Among patients with TIA, use of CT increased from 84.64% to 88.04% and MRI from 32.53% to 39.13%. According to our results, female sex, younger age, and presence of comorbidities increase the likelihood of undergoing MRI.