Journal of Neurobiology and Physiology

This editorial is a trial to open future research in the importance of neurobiology of diseases. We think that the potential of having links between some diseases and brain has been previously indicated, but it may be still underestimated.Previous studies reported the axis of brain and heart, brain and intestine. The reality of the problem is not well addressed on molecular basis. In other words, it is not enough to think or point out to possible existence of such a link.

During an action observation (AO) and action execution, specific group of neural substrates are activated. They provide a neural mechanism for understanding the actions of others called as mirror neurons (MNs). They also carry out motor grounding, motion ersatz, language and emotion appreciation. Mirror neurons discharge not only throughout the self-experience of pain but also during the perception of other people’s pain.

Different computational models and new devices are under development, aiming to better comprehend and alter brain function. Ternary computating offers new approach by considering a third physiological state of the neuronal membrane: the refractory period (-1), in addition to resting potential state (0) and the action potential.

Stroke is among the leading causes of disability and mortality in many countries of the world. The pathogenic mechanisms of ischemic stroke are very complex and have not been completely understood. The aim of this study was to estimate the amino acid (AA) pool in the brain hemisphere cortex of rats during Subtotal Cerebral Ischemia (SCI).

During vascular neurointervention procedures, the use of double antiaggregation therapy (mainly acetylsalicylic acid and clopidogrel) is required to minimize the risk of thromboembolic complications.

Intravascular large B-cell lymphoma (IVLBCL) is a rare and specific variant of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-positive IVLBCL is particularly rare and highly aggressive. Up to present, only a few cases of EBV-positive IVLBCL have been reported in the literature. Here, we would like to further explore its clinicopathological and molecular features to ensure the awareness and accurate diagnosis of this entity.

Diabetes is a metabolic disease that compromises the integrity of multiple organs and systems including the nervous system. Not only does neurodegeneration occur in peripheral nerves of diabetic subjects but also in brain structures. Particularly, diabetes impairs olfactory functions which suggests the alteration of regions of the central nervous system related with olfaction, however, few studies have shed light on the mechanisms that cause these alterations.

Individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) have a significantly increased risk for cognitive impairment that is associated with cerebrovascular remodeling and endothelial dysfunction. The sub-acute stage following high thoracic SCI is characterized by increased fibrosis and stiffness of cerebral arteries. However, a more prolonged duration after SCI exacerbates cerebrovascular injury by damaging endothelium.

Dopamine is used often in the NICU to increase cardiac output and blood pressure in neonates that are acutely ill. Dopamine is a catecholamine and as a short plasma half-life of approximately two minutes. It is interesting that the effect on the neonate is dosed dependent. In low doses (<2mcg/kg/min) vasodilation occurs as specific dopamine receptors are stimulated.

The human brain is a complex network of billions of neurons accompanied by astrocytes and microglia among others [1]. Neurons communicate via specialized sites of cell-cell contacts called synapses, where information is transmitted via the presynaptic release of neurotransmitter from synaptic vesicles (SVs) [2]. Through the integration of information transmitted via large networks of neurons, complex tasks, such as learning, memory and various behaviors, are regulated.

In neurological diseases like diabetic neuropathy, Alzheimer’s disease, and schizophrenia, the expression of some genes such as caspase-3 and -9 and Bcl2 increases. Oxidative stress is one of the causes of Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, spongiform encephalopathy, Huntington’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Silibinin, the powerful antioxidant without any side effects, can be used in treating of neurological diseases.

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is a well-established and accepted tool for simulation and prediction of complex physical phenomena e.g., in combustion, aerodynamics or blood circulation. Recently CFD has entered the medical field due to the readily available high computational power of current graphics processing units, GPUs. Efficient numerical codes, commercial or open source, are available now.

This case study focuses on the clinical course of a patient who underwent decompressive surgery for an acute on chronic cervical spinal cord injury and developed white cord syndrome, a reperfusion injury, as a result of the decompression. This case study is the eighth recorded case of white cord syndrome reported globally at the time of writing this case report.

Unusual presentations of disease states that have been well characterized over the years is key to ensuring the safety of patients and decreasing the overall mortality and morbidity. Patients often present with variations on classical conditions and it is key that providers be able to recognize these variations. This case study presents a 70-year-old female with a complex past medical history with variation of the classical Hakim-Adams triad of Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus.

Adrenarche, the post-natal onset of adrenal production of DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) and its sulfate (DHEA-S) marks the 5-8 transition and the onset of middle childhood. However, the role of DHEA and/or DHEA-S in the cognitive, emotional and physical changes of the so-called 5-8 transition are not well-understood. 

The term “tandem spinal stenosis (TSS)” has been used to describe combined cervical and lumbar canal stenosis. We identified in our large series of cases that approximately 58% of cases with cervical canal stenosis were considered to be TSS, and 15% needed surgery for concurrent lumbar spinal canal stenosis (LCS) [1]. The simultaneous presence of thoracic canal stenosis and LCS is also frequently observed at a clinical site.

Humans are within the rare 5% of mammal species that have paternal investment. The quantity and quality of paternal investment is facultative on environmental and social context. Because paternal investment is facultative in nature, father presence is not necessarily critical for survival.

Parkinson’s disease is a multifaceted illness that requires interdisciplinary approach to be fully addressed. The etiology of the disease is not completely understood, but genetic and environmental cues play important roles. Histological hallmarks of the disease are the accumulation of alpha-synuclein aggregates, mitochondrial changes and loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra.

Rathke cleft cysts (RCC) are the embryological remnants of the pars intermedia within the Rathke’s pouch, and they represent the benign end of a spectrum of lesions originating from this region. RCCs are commonly small asymptomatic lesion; however, they often attain large size and exert mass effect on surrounding vital neurovascular structures, and hence become symptomatic.

Although essential metal ions are required in the body, neurotoxicity occurs when exposed to a concentration of metal that the body cannot accommodate. In the case of non-essential metals which are important in industry, these elements have the property of causing neurotoxicity even at small concentrations. When such neurotoxicity progresses chronically, it can contribute to various neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.