Genetic polymorphisms and their association with neurobiological and psychological factors in anorexia nervosa: a systematic review.

Background and aims: Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a complex neuropsychiatric disorder. This systematic review synthesizes evidence from diverse studies to assess and investigate the association between gene polymorphisms and psychological and neurobiological factors in patients with AN. Methods: A systematic search across PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, along with manual searching, was conducted. The review protocol was approved by PROSPERO (CRD42023452548). Out of 1,250 articles, 11 met the inclusion criteria. The quality of eligible articles was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) tool. The systematic review followed the PRISMA guidelines. Results: The serotoninergic system, particularly the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism, is consistently linked to altered connectivity in the ventral attention network, impaired inhibitory control, and increased susceptibility to AN. The 5-HTTLPR polymorphism affects reward processing, motivation, reasoning, working memory, inhibition, and outcome prediction in patients with AN. The dopaminergic system, involving genes like COMT, DRD2, DRD3, and DAT1, regulates reward, motivation, and decision-making. Genetic variations in these dopaminergic genes are associated with psychological manifestations and clinical severity in patients with AN. Across populations, the Val66Met polymorphism in the BDNF gene influences personality traits, eating behaviors, and emotional responses. Genes like OXTR, TFAP2B, and KCTD15 are linked to social cognition, emotional processing, body image concerns, and personality dimensions in patients with AN. Conclusion: There was an association linking multiple genes to the susceptibly and/or severity of AN. This genetic factor contributes to the complexity of AN and leads to higher diversity of its clinical presentation. Therefore, conducting more extensive research to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of anorexia nervosa pathology is imperative for advancing our understanding and potentially developing targeted therapeutic interventions for the disorder.Systematic review registration: [https://clinicaltrials.gov/], identifier [CRD42023452548].

Systematic review: the impact of maternal pre-and postnatal cannabis use on the behavioral and emotional regulation in early childhood.

Prenatal exposure to alcohol and tobacco has been associated with child regulatory abilities and problems, but less is known about the associations with cannabis exposure. This review seeks to address this gap primarily focusing on the effects of maternal cannabis use on the child. Thus, we investigate the association between pre- and postnatal cannabis exposure of the child and regulatory abilities and problems, as well as the underlying neurobiological mechanisms potentially mediating the associations. According to the PRISMA guidelines, a systematic literature review was performed based on a systematic literature search through Medline (PubMed), Web of Science and PsycInfo, including studies assessing children aged 0-6 years with cannabis exposure in the preconception, pre-or postnatal period (preconception, pre- and postnatal cannabis exposure [PCE]) and investigating child regulatory abilities, regulatory problems or neurobiological mechanisms. Of n = 1061 screened articles, n = 33 were finally included. Diminished regulatory abilities are more likely to be found in infants after PCE, while specific regulatory problems tend to be more frequently found after two years of age. Possible mechanisms are related to changes in methylation and expression of key genes involved in endocannabinoid, dopaminergic and opioid systems, increased cortisol reactivity and altered Secretory Immunoglobulin A levels. Furthermore, PCE has been associated with changes in brain structure and connectivity. Current findings indicate that PCE is associated with both age-dependent alterations in self-regulation and neurobiological changes in young children. However, evidence is limited due to the number of studies, small sample sizes and lack of control for maternal psychopathology. Longitudinal studies including psychometric data from mothers are needed in order to further understand the implications of PCE.Trial registration: The review is registered with PROSPERO (ID: CRD42023425115).

Behavioural, autonomic, and neural responsivity in depersonalisation-derealisation disorder: A systematic review of experimental evidence.

Depersonalisation-derealisation disorder (DDD) is characterised by distressing experiences of separation from oneself and/or one's surroundings, potentially resulting from alterations in affective, cognitive, and physiological functions. This systematic review aimed to synthesise current experimental evidence of relevance to proposed mechanisms underlying DDD, to appraise existing theoretical models, and to inform future research and theoretical developments. Studies were included if they tested explicit hypotheses in DDD samples, with experimental manipulations of at least one independent variable, alongside behavioural, subjective, neurological, affective and/or physiological dependent variables. Some evidence for diminished subjective responsivity to aversive images and sounds, and hyperactivation in neurocircuits associated with emotional regulation when viewing aversive images emerged, corroborating neurobiological models of DDD. Inconsistencies were present regarding behavioural and autonomic responsivity to facial expressions, emotional memory, and self-referential processing. Common confounds included small sample sizes, medication, and comorbidities. Alterations in affective reactivity and regulation appear to be present in DDD; however, further research employing more rigorous research designs is required to provide stronger evidence for these possible mechanisms.

Susceptibility or resilience to childhood peer abuse can be explained by cortical thickness in brain regions involved in emotional regulation.

Experiencing peer abuse in childhood can damage mental health, but some people exhibit resilience against these negative outcomes. However, it remains uncertain which specific changes in brain structures are associated with this type of resilience. We categorized 217 participants into three groups: resilience group, susceptibility group, and healthy control group, based on their experiences of peer abuse and mental health problems. They underwent MRI scans to measure cortical thickness in various brain regions of the prefrontal cortex. We employed covariance analysis to compare cortical thickness among these groups. Individuals who resilient to anxiety exhibited smaller cortical thickness in the bilateral inferior frontal gyrus (IFG), and with larger thickness in the right medial orbitofrontal cortex (mOFC), while those resilient to stress was associated with smaller thickness in both the bilateral IFG and bilateral middle frontal gyrus (MFG). These findings deepen our understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying resilience and offer insight into improving individual resilience.

Childhood Apraxia of Speech: A Descriptive and Prescriptive Model of Assessment and Diagnosis.

Childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) represents a significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenge within the field of clinical neuropsychology, characterized by its nuanced presentation and multifactorial nature. The aim of this study was to distil and synthesize the broad spectrum of research into a coherent model for the assessment and diagnosis of CAS. Through a mixed-method design, the quantitative phase analyzed 290 studies, unveiling 10 clusters: developmental apraxia, tabby talk, intellectual disabilities, underlying speech processes, breakpoint localization, speech characteristics, functional characteristics, clinical practice, and treatment outcome. The qualitative phase conducted a thematic analysis on the most cited and recent literature, identifying 10 categories: neurobiological markers, speech motor control, perceptual speech features, auditory processing, prosody and stress patterns, parent- and self-report measures, intervention response, motor learning and generalization, comorbidity analysis, and cultural and linguistic considerations. Integrating these findings, a descriptive and prescriptive model was developed, encapsulating the complexities of CAS and providing a structured approach for clinicians. This model advances the understanding of CAS and supports the development of targeted interventions. This study concludes with a call for evidence-based personalized treatment plans that account for the diverse neurobiological and cultural backgrounds of children with CAS. Its implications for practice include the integration of cutting-edge assessment tools that embrace the heterogeneity of CAS presentations, ensuring that interventions are as unique as the children they aim to support.

Anthropomorphic Tendon-Based Hands Controlled by Agonist-Antagonist Corticospinal Neural Network.

This article presents a study on the neurobiological control of voluntary movements for anthropomorphic robotic systems. A corticospinal neural network model has been developed to control joint trajectories in multi-fingered robotic hands. The proposed neural network simulates cortical and spinal areas, as well as the connectivity between them, during the execution of voluntary movements similar to those performed by humans or monkeys. Furthermore, this neural connection allows for the interpretation of functional roles in the motor areas of the brain. The proposed neural control system is tested on the fingers of a robotic hand, which is driven by agonist-antagonist tendons and actuators designed to accurately emulate complex muscular functionality. The experimental results show that the corticospinal controller produces key properties of biological movement control, such as bell-shaped asymmetric velocity profiles and the ability to compensate for disturbances. Movements are dynamically compensated for through sensory feedback. Based on the experimental results, it is concluded that the proposed biologically inspired adaptive neural control system is robust, reliable, and adaptable to robotic platforms with diverse biomechanics and degrees of freedom. The corticospinal network successfully integrates biological concepts with engineering control theory for the generation of functional movement. This research significantly contributes to improving our understanding of neuromotor control in both animals and humans, thus paving the way towards a new frontier in the field of neurobiological control of anthropomorphic robotic systems.

A translational neuroscience perspective on loneliness: Narrative review focusing on social interaction, illness and oxytocin.

This review addresses key findings on loneliness from the social, neurobiological and clinical fields. From a translational perspective, results from studies in humans and animals are included, with a focus on social interaction, mental and physical illness and the role of oxytocin in loneliness. In terms of social interactions, lonely individuals tend to exhibit a range of abnormal behaviors based on dysfunctional social cognitions that make it difficult for them to form meaningful relationships. Neurobiologically, a link has been established between loneliness and the hypothalamic peptide hormone oxytocin. Since social interactions and especially social touch regulate oxytocin signaling, lonely individuals may have an oxytocin imbalance, which in turn affects their health and well-being. Clinically, loneliness is a predictor of physical and mental illness and leads to increased morbidity and mortality. There is evidence that psychopathology is both a cause and a consequence of loneliness. The final section of this review summarizes the findings from social, neurobiological and clinical perspectives to present a new model of the complex construct of loneliness.

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder: An integrated study of the pathophysiology, neural mechanisms, and therapeutic strategies.

OBJECTIVE: The study aims to investigate Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJD) through a interdisciplinary lens, integrating insights from neuroscience, dentistry, and psychology to dissect its complex pathophysiology and neural mechanisms. It focuses on exploring the neurobiological underpinnings of TMJD, emphasizing the role of pain perception, modulation, and the impact of neurophysiological changes on the disorder. DESIGN: This is a comprehensive narrative review of the literature. RESULTS: Research findings pinpoint altered pain perception and modulation processes as central neural mechanisms contributing to TMJD, highlighting the importance of personalized treatment approaches due to the disorder's complexity and patient variability. The study recognizes advances in neuroscience offering new treatment avenues, such as neuromodulation and biofeedback, which provide non-invasive and personalized options. However, it also addresses the challenges in TMJD research, such as the multifaceted nature of the disorder and the need for more comprehensive, interdisciplinary strategies in research and clinical practice. CONCLUSIONS: TMJD is a multifaceted disorder requiring an interdisciplinary approach for effective management. The study stresses the crucial role of neuroscience in understanding and treating TMJD, facilitating the development of innovative treatment strategies. It emphasizes the need for further research, advocating an integrated approach that combines neuroscience, dentistry, and psychology to address TMJD's complexities comprehensively and improve patient care, thereby enhancing the quality of life for affected individuals.

Role of antioxidants in the neurobiology of drug addiction: An update.

Relationships between protective enzymatic and non-enzymatic pro-antioxidant mechanisms and addictive substances use disorders (SUDs) are analyzed here, based on the results of previous research, as well as on the basis of our current own studies. This review introduces new aspects of comparative analysis of associations of pro-antixidant and neurobiological effects in patients taking psychoactive substances and complements very limited knowledge about relationships with SUDs from different regions, mainly Europe. In view of the few studies on relations between antioxidants and neurobiological processes acting in patients taking psychoactive substances, this review is important from the point of view of showing the state of knowledge, directions of diagnosis and treatment, and further research needed explanation. We found significant correlations between chemical elements, pro-antioxidative mechanisms, and lipoperoxidation in the development of disorders associated with use of addictive substances, therefore elements that show most relations (Pr, Na, Mn, Y, Sc, La, Cr, Al, Ca, Sb, Cd, Pb, As, Hg, Ni) may be significant factors shaping SUDs. The action of pro-antioxidant defense and lipid peroxidation depends on the pro-antioxidative activity of ions. We explain the strongest correlations between Mg and Sb, and lipoperoxidation in addicts, which proves their stimulating effect on lipoperoxidation and on the induction of oxidative stress. We discussed which mechanisms and neurobiological processes change susceptibility to SUDs. The innovation of this review is to show that addicted people have lower activity of dismutases and peroxidases than healthy ones, which indicates disorders of antioxidant system and depletion of enzymes after long-term tolerance of stressors. We explain higher level of catalases, reductases, ceruloplasmin, bilirubin, retinol, α-tocopherol and uric acid of addicts. In view of poorly understood factors affecting addiction, analysis of interactions allows for more effective understanding of pathogenetic mechanisms leading to formation of addiction and development the initiation of directed, more effective treatment (pharmacological, hormonal) and may be helpful in the diagnosis of psychoactive changes.

The effects of mobile phone dependence on athletic performance and its mechanisms.

Mobile phone dependence (also known as internet dependence, MPD), defined as a problematic behavior characterized by excessive use or intermittent craving to use a mobile phone, results in various social, behavioral, and affective problems in daily life. In sports, MPD is directly related to the physical and mental health and sports performance of athletes. The individual and environmental factors, neurobiological mechanisms and theoretical models of MPD affecting athletic performance were analyzed by reviewing previous studies, aiming to construct effective training and development protocols to prevent and control the occurrence of MPD in athletes. At present, athletic performance can be affected by MPD through individual factors and environmental factors. The neurobiological mechanisms between the two are based on the brain reward system and microwave radiation from mobile phones, with athletic performance being restricted by alterations in the corresponding brain regions. Relevant theoretical models mainly include the social cognitive model of self-regulation and the integrative model of self-control, which explain the interrelationship between MPD and athletic performance from the perspectives of athletes' self-regulation and self-control, respectively. As an emerging phenomenon, the influence pathways and mechanisms by which MPD affects athletic performance need to be further investigated. A longitudinal perspective should be adopted to trace the dynamic impact relationship between the two, and developing relevant theoretical frameworks from an interdisciplinary research perspective should be valuable for providing theoretical support for coaches and sports administrators to formulate scientific training protocols and thus improve the mental health of athletes.

Neuroimaging and Brain-Based Markers Identifying Neurobiological Markers Associated With Criminal Behaviour, Personality Disorders, and Mental Health: A Narrative Review.

We begin the review by pointing to the common stigma associated with mental health issues, which often derives from a lack of understanding or incomplete knowledge. Neurobiological research provides us with a new lens to help challenge and dispel common assumptions and misunderstandings and gives an understanding of sexual behaviours that influence society. As such, it generates substantial evidence for the structural and functional asymmetry of the brains of individuals with mental disorders. However, this type of representation poses many challenges to traditional thinking and constantly provokes change in perspective and empathy towards those individuals. In the review, we go deeper into the effects of neurobiological findings on understanding criminal behaviours and personality disorders, looking further beyond behavioural health. These problems, which were once mainly discussed as moral ones or viewed from the perspective of character flaws, are analysed today through neurological considerations pointing to their complexity. When the root of bipolar disorder is revealed to be neurological, society will react with more information and understanding, hence reducing the stigmatisation and discrimination meted out to people with these problems. At a macro level, findings from neurobiology affect society in ways that go beyond individuals; social attitudes, laws, and policies about the services rendered are influenced. Operating as a catalyst within the community, neurobiological research helps to initiate social change through the creation of an informed, understanding public forum. Thus, it creates broader value for those dealing with behavioural and mental health challenges. The first and most important question of this narrative review is focused on identifying identifiable neurobiological markers that are closely related to criminal conduct, personality disorders, and mental health disorders. Through this review, we aim to present detailed insights into the neurological foundations that anchor these phenomena via a narrative analysis of contemporary literature. The potential implications are finding problems early to apply specific treatment and learning an advanced strategy for social attitudes. This will promote a more humanistic approach based on adequate information on the behavioural and mental health issues involved.

Response Rate Patterns in Adolescents With Concussion Using Mobile Health and Remote Patient Monitoring: Observational Study.

Background: A concussion is a common adolescent injury that can result in a constellation of symptoms, negatively affecting academic performance, neurobiological development, and quality of life. Mobile health (mHealth) technologies, such as apps for patients to report symptoms or wearables to measure physiological metrics like heart rate, have been shown to be promising in health maintenance. However, there is limited evidence about mHealth engagement in adolescents with a concussion during their recovery course. Objective: This study aims to determine the response rate and response rate patterns in concussed adolescents reporting their daily symptoms through mHealth technology. It will also examine the effect of time-, demographic-, and injury-related characteristics on response rate patterns. Methods: Participants aged between 11-18 years (median days since injury at enrollment: 11 days) were recruited from the concussion program of a tertiary care academic medical center and a suburban school's athletic teams. They were asked to report their daily symptoms using a mobile app. Participants were prompted to complete the Post-Concussion Symptom Inventory (PCSI) 3 times (ie, morning, afternoon, and evening) per day for 4 weeks following enrollment. The primary outcome was the response rate pattern over time (by day since initial app use and the day since injury). Time-, demographic-, and injury-related differences in reporting behaviors were compared using Mann Whitney U tests. Results: A total of 56 participants were enrolled (mean age 15.3, SD 1.9 years; n=32, 57% female). The median response rate across all days of app use in the evening was 37.0% (IQR 27.2%-46.4%), which was significantly higher than the morning (21.2%, IQR 15.6%-30.5%) or afternoon (26.4%, IQR 21.1%-31.5%; P<.001). The median daily response was significantly different by sex (female: 53.8%, IQR 46.2%-64.2% vs male: 42.0%, IQR 28.6%-51.1%; P=.003), days since injury to app use (participants starting to use the app >7 days since injury: 54.1%, IQR 47.4%-62.2% vs starting to use the app ≤7 days since injury: 38.0%, IQR 26.0%-53.3%; P=.002), and concussion history (participants with a history of at least one prior concussion: 57.4%, IQR 44.5%-70.5% vs participants without concussion history: 42.3%, IQR 36.8%-53.5%; P=.03). There were no significant differences by age. Differences by injury mechanism (sports- and recreation-related injury: 39.6%, IQR 36.1%-50.4% vs non-sports- or recreation-related injury: 30.6%, IQR 20.0%-42.9%; P=.04) and initial symptom burden (PCSI scores greater than the median score of 47: 40.9%, IQR 35.2%-53.8% vs PCSI scores less than or equal to the median score: 31.9%, IQR 24.6%-40.6%; P=.04) were evident in the evening response rates; however, daily rates were not statistically different. Conclusions: Evening may be the optimal time to prompt for daily concussion symptom assessment among concussed adolescents compared with morning or afternoon. Multiple demographic- and injury-related characteristics were associated with higher daily response rates, including for female participants, those with more than 1 week from injury to beginning mHealth monitoring, and those with a history of at least one previous concussion. Future studies may consider incentive strategies or adaptive digital concussion assessments to increase response rates in populations with low engagement.

Integrating Clinical Neuropsychology and Psychotic Spectrum Disorders: A Systematic Analysis of Cognitive Dynamics, Interventions, and Underlying Mechanisms.

Background and Objectives: The study aims to provide a comprehensive neuropsychological analysis of psychotic spectrum disorders, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression. It focuses on the critical aspects of cognitive impairments, diagnostic tools, intervention efficacy, and the roles of genetic and environmental factors in these disorders. The paper emphasizes the diagnostic significance of neuropsychological tests in identifying cognitive deficiencies and their predictive value in the early management of psychosis. Materials and Methods: The study involved a systematic literature review following the PRISMA guidelines. The search was conducted in significant databases like Scopus, PsycINFO, PubMed, and Web of Science using keywords relevant to clinical neuropsychology and psychotic spectrum disorders. The inclusion criteria required articles to be in English, published between 2018 and 2023, and pertinent to clinical neuropsychology's application in these disorders. A total of 153 articles were identified, with 44 ultimately included for detailed analysis based on relevance and publication status after screening. Results: The review highlights several key findings, including the diagnostic and prognostic significance of mismatch negativity, neuroprogressive trajectories, cortical thinning in familial high-risk individuals, and distinct illness trajectories within psychosis subgroups. The studies evaluated underline the role of neuropsychological tests in diagnosing psychiatric disorders and emphasize early detection and the effectiveness of intervention strategies based on cognitive and neurobiological markers. Conclusions: The systematic review underscores the importance of investigating the neuropsychological components of psychotic spectrum disorders. It identifies significant cognitive impairments in attention, memory, and executive function, correlating with structural and functional brain abnormalities. The paper stresses the need for precise diagnoses and personalized treatment modalities, highlighting the complex interplay between genetic, environmental, and psychosocial factors. It calls for a deeper understanding of these neuropsychological processes to enhance diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic outcomes.

Landau model for illustrating the learning and unlearning process of nociplastic pain.

Recent advancements in understanding the consolidation of nociplastic pain point to a complex, non-conscious learned process of threat perception. Neurobiological pain education is emerging as a promising approach to unlearn nociplastic pain, supported by biopsychosocial tools such as exposure to movement, mindfulness, and group sharing formats. However, this approach is still not well-known among clinicians and the society at large, creating a communication problem that unfortunately perpetuates the suffering of patients. Herein, we propose a Landau model to describe the learning and unlearning process of nociplastic pain, aiming to clarify this complex situation and facilitate communication across different sectors of the society. Nociplastic pain corresponds to a first-order transition, with attention more likely in the alert-protection state than in the trust-explore state. Two appealing results of the model are that the perception of the critical context depends on personal history regarding the symptom and that biopsychosocial loops are formed when there is alarming learned historical information about the symptom, along with confused and contradictory expert information, as seen in nocebo messages. Learning and unlearning in the model correspond to a chang in control parametrs that can weigh more on the alert-protection state, trust-explore state, uncertain state or neutral state. This description clarifies why neurobiological education is the foundational therapy from which others must be built to embody the accessible, clear, and trustworthy information.

Terahertz Radiation Modulates Neuronal Morphology and Dynamics Properties.

Terahertz radiation falls within the spectrum of hydrogen bonding, molecular rotation, and vibration, as well as van der Waals forces, indicating that many biological macromolecules exhibit a strong absorption and resonance in this frequency band. Research has shown that the terahertz radiation of specific frequencies and energies can mediate changes in cellular morphology and function by exciting nonlinear resonance effects in proteins. However, current studies have mainly focused on the cellular level and lack systematic studies on multiple levels. Moreover, the mechanism and law of interaction between terahertz radiation and neurons are still unclear. Therefore, this paper analyzes the mechanisms by which terahertz radiation modulates the nervous system, and it analyzes and discusses the methods by which terahertz radiation modulates neurons. In addition, this paper reviews the laws of terahertz radiation's influence on neuronal morphology and kinetic properties and discusses them in detail in terms of terahertz radiation frequency, energy, and time. In the future, the safety of the terahertz radiation system should be considered first to construct the safety criterion of terahertz modulation, and the spatial resolution of the terahertz radiation system should be improved. In addition, the systematic improvement of the laws and mechanisms of terahertz modulation of the nervous system on multiple levels is the key to applying terahertz waves to neuroscience. This paper can provide a platform for researchers to understand the mechanism of the terahertz-nervous system interaction, its current status, and future research directions.

Neurobiological evidence and criminal competencies.

Neuroimaging and other neurobiological evidences are increasingly introduced in criminal litigation, especially when a neuropsychiatric disorder is suspected. Evaluations of criminal competencies are the most common type of criminal forensic assessment in forensic psychiatry and psychology. Given this, it is critical for forensic evaluators to understand how neuropsychiatric disorders may affect a defendant's criminal competencies and how neurobiological data may be used in competency determinations. This paper reviews the use of neurobiological data, particularly neuroimaging, while considering the limitations and potential misuse of such data in criminal competency evaluations.

The effect of high-intensity intermittent and moderate-intensity continuous exercises on neurobiological markers and cognitive performance.

BACKGROUND: The effects of exercise on cognitive functions and general brain health have been increasingly studied. Such studies conducted among athletes are very important to understanding the effects of different exercise methods on biochemical parameters and cognitive performance. The present study aimed to compare the neuroprotective effects of high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) and moderate-intensity continuous exercise (MICE) based on biochemical parameters and cognitive performance in athletes. METHODS: A total of twenty-eight elite male boxing athletes aged > 18 years, with at least eight years of training experience, who successfully achieved national and international levels were included in this study. The elite athletes participating in the study were aged 24.43 ± 4.72 years, 14.45 ± 5.89 years of training experience, had a body weight of 74.64 ± 7.82 kg, and had a height of 177 ± 7.15 cm. Athletes who consumed any stimulants during the testing or supplementation phase, nutritional supplements, or steroids that may have affected hormone levels or sports performance in the last three months were excluded from this study. Venous blood samples were obtained, and cognitive performance tests (Stroop tests) were applied (i) immediately after high-intensity intermittent exercise (HIIE), (ii) one hour after HIIE, (iii) immediately after moderate-intensity continuous exercise (MICE), and (iv) one hour after MICE. Serum BDNF, S100B, and NSE levels were measured after each session. RESULTS: Serum BDNF levels were significantly (F = 2.142, P < 0.001, ηp 2 = 0.589) greater in the HIIE group (5.65 ± 1.79 ng/mL) than in the control group (1.24 ± 0.54 ng/mL) and MICE group (3.38 ± 1.29 ng/mL) for the samples obtained immediately after exercise. Serum S100B levels were significantly (F = 3.427, P < 0.001, ηp 2 = 0.427) greater in the HIIE group (71.92 ± 23.05 ng/L) than in the control group (47.39 ± 15.78 ng/L), however there was no significant difference between the HIIE and MICE groups (59.62 ± 28.90 ng/L) in the samples obtained immediately after exercise. Serum NSE levels were significantly (F = 1.475, P < 0.001, ηp 2 = 0.312) greater in the HIIE group (14.57 ± 2.52 ng/mL) than in the control group (9.51 ± 3.44 ng/ML mL), however there was no significant difference between the HIIE and MICE groups (59.62 ± 28.90 ng/L) in the samples obtained immediately after exercise. Compared with control groups, both HIIE and MICE improved cognitive performance demonstrated by the Stroop test results. Again, HIIE was superior to MICE in terms of Stroop task reaction time and error rate (incongruent task) scores. CONCLUSION: HIIE and MICE have favorable effects on improving cognitive performance and neuroprotection in an athlete population. HIIE is considered to be superior to MICE in improving neuroprotection and cognitive performance. Our study has remarkable results demonstrating the benefits of HIIT on neuroprotection and cognitive performance. HIIE is recommended instead of MICE, especially in sports where cognitive performance is more important.

Is the Papez circuit the location of the elusive episodic memory engram?

All of the brain structures and white matter that make up Papez' circuit, as well as the circuit as a whole, are implicated in the literature in episodic memory formation and recall. This paper shows that Papez' circuit has the detailed structure and connectivity that is evidently required to support the episodic memory engram, and that identifying Papez' circuit as the location of the engram answers a number of long-standing questions regarding the role of medial temporal lobe structures in episodic memory. The paper then shows that the process by which the episodic memory engram may be formed is a network-wide Hebbian potentiation termed "racetrack potentiation", whose frequency corresponds to that observed in vivo in humans for memory functions. Further, by considering the microcircuits observed in the medial temporal lobe structures forming Papez' circuit, the paper establishes the neural mechanisms behind the required functions of sensory information storage and recall, pattern completion, pattern separation, and memory consolidation. The paper shows that Papez' circuit has the necessary connectivity to gather the various elements of an episodic memory occurring within Pöppel's experienced time or "quantum of experience". Finally, the paper shows how the memory engram located in Papez' circuit might be central to the formation of a duplicate engram in the cortex enabling consolidation and long-term storage of episodic memories.

Is lower fetal heart rate variability a susceptibility marker to the impact of negative coparenting on infant regulatory capacity?

Lower fetal heart rate variability (FHRV) may be a prenatal endophenotypic susceptibility marker and increase the impact of both positive and negative coparenting on infant regulatory capacity. This study analyzed the moderator role of FHRV in the association between positive and negative coparenting and infant regulatory capacity at 3 months. The sample comprised 86 first-born infants and their mothers and fathers recruited at a public Health Service in Northern Portugal. FHRV was recorded during routine cardiotocography examination at the third trimester of gestation. Mothers and fathers reported on coparenting and infant regulatory capacity at 2 weeks and 3 months postpartum. FHRV moderated the association between mother's and father's negative coparenting at 2 weeks postpartum and infant regulatory capacity at three months. Infants with low FHRV presented higher regulatory capacity when mothers or fathers reported less negative coparenting, while lower regulatory capacity when mothers or fathers reported more negative coparenting, than infants with high FHRV. Findings suggested lower FHRV as a prenatal endophenotypic susceptibility marker that increases the impact of negative coparenting on infant regulatory capacity.

La más baja variabilidad del pulso cardíaco fetal (FHRV) pudiera ser un marcador determinante de la susceptibilidad endofenotípica prenatal y aumentar el impacto de la crianza compartida tanto positiva como negativa sobre la capacidad regulatoria del infante. Este estudio analizó el papel moderador de FHRV en la asociación entre la positiva y negativa crianza compartida y la capacidad regulatoria del infante a los tres meses. El grupo muestra estaba compuesto de 86 infantes primerizos y sus mamás y papás. Se grabó la FHRV durante una examinación de cardiotocografía de rutina en el tercer trimestre de la gestación. Las mamás y los papás reportaron acerca de la crianza compartida y la capacidad regulatoria del infante a las dos semanas y a los tres meses después del parto. La FHRV moderó la asociación entre la crianza compartida negativa de la mamá y del papá a las dos semanas después del parto y la capacidad regulatoria del infante a los tres meses. Los infantes con baja FHRV presentaron una capacidad regulatoria más alta cuando las mamás o los papás reportaron una crianza compartida menos negativa, mientras que la capacidad regulatoria más baja se dio cuando las mamás o los papás reportaron una crianza compartida más negativa, que los infantes con una FHRV alta. Los resultados señalan la más baja FHRV como un marcador determinante de la susceptibilidad endofenotípica prenatal que aumenta el impacto de la crianza compartida negativa sobre la capacidad regulatoria del infante. Los infantes con baja FHRV pueden ser aquellos que mejor desarrollan mecanismos de autorregulación en la presencia de una crianza compartida menos negativa, mientras que están bajo alto riesgo de problemas regulatorios en la presencia de una crianza compartida más negativa.

Une variabilité de la fréquence cardiaque fœtale (VFCF) plus basse pourrait être un marqueur de sensibilité endophénotypique prénatale et augmenter l'impact du coparentage positif et négatif sur la capacité régulatoire du nourrisson. Cette étude a analysé le rôle modérateur de la VFCF dans le lien entre le coparentage positif et négatif et la capacité régulatoire du nourrisson à trois mois. Cet échantillon a inlu 86 nourrisson premiers nés et leurs mères et pères. La VFCF a été enregistrée penfdant un examen de cardiotocographie de routine au troisième trimestre de la grossesse. Les mères et les pères ont fait état de leur coparentage et de la capacité régulatoire du nourrisson à deux semaines et à trois mois postpartum. La VFCF a modéré le lien entre le coparentage négatif de la mère et du père à deux mois postpartum et la capacité régulatoire du nourrisson à trois mois. Les nourrissons avec une VFCF basse ont présenté une capacité régulatoire plus élevée lorsque les mères ou les pères ont signalé moins de coparentage négatif, alors qu'ils ont présenté une capacité régulatoire plus basse lorsque les mères ou les pères ont signalé un coparentage plus négatif, que les nourrissons avec une VFCF élevée. Les résultats ont suggéré une VFCF plus basse comme un marqueur de sensibilité endophénotypique prénatale qui augmente l'impact de coparentage négatif sur la capacité régulatoire du nourrisson. Les enfants avec une VFCF basse peuvent être ceux qui développent mieux leurs mécanismes auto-régulatoires en présence de moins de coparentage négatif, tout en étant à haut risque de problèmes régulatoires en présence de plus de coparentage négatif.

Sporting Mind: The Interplay of Physical Activity and Psychological Health.

The symbiotic relationship between sports practice and psychological well-being has, in recent times, surged to the forefront of academic and public attention. The aim of this narrative review is to comprehensively explore the intricate pathways linking physical engagement in sports to its subsequent impacts on mental health and synthesize the multifarious effects of sports on psychological health, offering insights for integrating physical and psychological strategies to enhance well-being. From neurobiological underpinnings to therapeutic applications, this comprehensive manuscript provides an in-depth dive into the multifaceted world of sports and psychology. Highlighting evidence-based interventions, this review aspires to offer actionable insights for practitioners, athletes, and individuals alike, advocating for a holistic approach to mental well-being. This manuscript highlights the profound impact of sports on mental health, emphasizing its role in emotional regulation, resilience, cognitive function, and treating psychological conditions. It details how sports induce neurochemical changes, enhance brain functions like memory and learning, and aid against cognitive decline. This review also notes the benefits of regular exercise in mood improvement, stress management, and social skill enhancement, particularly when combined with mindfulness practices. It underscores the importance of considering cultural and gender perspectives in sports psychology, advocating for an integrated physical-psychological approach to promote overall well-being.