Review
Neurosciences
Elena Salillas, Silvia Benavides-Varela, Carlo Semenza
Summary: Based on initial research, it was believed that the left hemisphere played a dominant role in mathematical processing, but with the advent of new theories and tools, it has been discovered that the right hemisphere is also involved in various mathematical tasks. In terms of development, the right hemisphere shows dominance in basic numerical processes. At school age, mathematical tasks involve both hemispheres, with the right hemisphere being more active in non-symbolic tasks.
FRONTIERS IN HUMAN NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Neurosciences
Heather N. Allen, Harley J. Bobnar, Benedict J. Kolber
Summary: Hemispheric asymmetries within the brain have been extensively studied across species since the early 19th century. The lateralization of the amygdala, an almond-shaped brain structure located within the limbic system, is reshaping our understanding of its role in pain processing. The central nucleus of the amygdala has been shown to play a crucial role in nociceptive processing, with the right CeA having a pro-nociceptive function and the left CeA showing variable effects ranging from no modulation to anti-nociceptive function in pain models.
PROGRESS IN NEUROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biology
James M. Roe, Didac Vidal-Pineiro, Inge K. Amlien, Mengyu Pan, Markus H. Sneve, Michel Thiebaut de Schotten, Patrick Friedrich, Zhiqiang Sha, Clyde Francks, Espen M. Eilertsen, Yunpeng Wang, Kristine B. Walhovd, Anders M. Fjell, Rene Westerhausen
Summary: Cortical asymmetry is a common feature of brain organization and is subtly altered in some neurodevelopmental disorders. The study findings suggest that cortical asymmetry develops stably across the lifespan, with a significant role played by genetic and individual-specific stochastic effects.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Vladimir Sytnyk, Iryna Leshchyns'ka, Melitta Schachner
Summary: Advancements in genomics, proteomics, and glycomics have opened up new possibilities for understanding the complex structures and functions of DNA, proteins, and carbohydrates. The nervous system proves to be an ideal system for studying the functions of glycans, shedding light on developmental processes and neurodegenerative diseases. The development of glycomimetic compounds holds promise for potential clinical applications in neurological diseases, offering advantages over natural glycans in terms of stability and therapeutic efficacy.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR LIFE SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Martyna Bayassi-Jakowicka, Grazyna Lietzau, Ewelina Czuba, Aleksandra Steliga, Monika Waskow, Przemyslaw Kowianski
Summary: The nucleus accumbens (NAc) plays a crucial role in both reward processes and central nervous system diseases. Understanding its diverse functions requires a combination of morphological and functional studies, as well as research on its connections, neuroplasticity, and neurotransmitter systems.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
John D. Lewis, Henriette Acosta, Jetro J. Tuulari, Vladimir S. Fonov, D. Louis Collins, Noora M. Scheinin, Satu J. Lehtola, Aylin Rosberg, Kristian Lidauer, Elena Ukharova, Jani Saunavaara, Riitta Parkkola, Tuire Lahdesmaki, Linnea Karlsson, Hasse Karlsson
Summary: The corpus callosum is the largest fiber tract in the human brain, connecting homologous areas of the two cerebral hemispheres. Sex differences exist in the allometric relationships between the size of the corpus callosum and brain size, and these differences are already present in newborns, suggesting that sexual dimorphism in brain lateralization may have prenatal origins.
HUMAN BRAIN MAPPING
(2022)
Article
Biophysics
Sajad Abolpour Moshizi, Christopher John Pastras, Rajni Sharma, M. A. Parvez Mahmud, Rachel Ryan, Amir Razmjou, Mohsen Asadnia
Summary: Balance disorders are a common problem that affects approximately 30% of the population. Various treatment methods, including the vestibular prosthesis, stem cell regeneration, and gene therapies, are being explored. Artificial hair cell sensors show great promise as a new technology.
BIOSENSORS & BIOELECTRONICS
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Xiang-Zhen Kong, Merel Postema, Dick Schijven, Amaia Carrion Castillo, Antonietta Pepe, Fabrice Crivello, Marc Joliot, Bernard Mazoyer, Simon E. Fisher, Clyde Francks
Summary: This study conducted the largest-ever analysis on global brain shape asymmetry using three population datasets. It revealed an anterior and dorsal skew of the right hemisphere relative to the left, associated with handedness, gray and white matter metrics, cognitive functions, and genetic factors. There was also evidence of genetic correlation between horizontal brain skew and autism.
Review
Immunology
Josephine A. Mapunda, Houyam Tibar, Wafa Regragui, Britta Engelhardt
Summary: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is the most common inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS), with varying prevalence worldwide. Understanding how immune cells enter the CNS and the effects of immunomodulatory treatments on neuroinflammation is crucial. The brain barriers play a key role in regulating immune cell entry into the CNS.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Anatomy & Morphology
Matthias Cavelius, Theo Brunel, Anne Didier
Summary: This article discusses the role of sensory information in brain lateralization, with a focus on the olfactory system. Studies have found that the two hemispheres of the brain process olfactory stimuli differently to achieve various sensory operations, which may be related to behavioral performance.
BRAIN STRUCTURE & FUNCTION
(2022)
Editorial Material
Clinical Neurology
Dario Andres Yacovino, Manuel Sliman Perez Akly, Tomas Ibanez, Marcello Cherchi
Summary: This study retrospectively compared brain MRIs of patients with HZO and VN, and studied the radiologic changes in the brainstem. Five out of ten patients with HZO showed signal abnormalities in the vestibular nuclei, which are located in multiple vascular territories, while no patients with VN exhibited such findings.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Ki Jin Kwon, Jae Yong Byun
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the asymmetry of structure and neurochemical activity in the interhemispheric vestibular-cortical system between healthy individuals and patients with vestibular failure. Previous studies have found differences in gray-matter-volume (GMV), white-matter-volume (WMV) asymmetry, and concentrations of brain metabolites between patients and controls. However, a conclusive comparison of left and right sides in healthy controls has not been made.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Editorial Material
Clinical Neurology
Eduardo Benarroch
Summary: Zinc plays crucial roles in the developing and functioning of the nervous system through multiple mechanisms. The balance of zinc is essential for normal neuronal function, as both deficiency and excess can have harmful effects.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Raed Farhat, Anan Abu Awad, Waleed Abu Shaheen, Diaa Alwily, Yaniv Avraham, Razi Najjar, Shlomo Merchavy, Saqr Massoud
Summary: The aim of this study was to describe a new radiological diagnostic sign called Vestibular Eye Sign (VES) that can be observed on a CT head scan. VES refers to an eye deviation that correlates with the slow phase of nystagmus (vestibule pathological side). The study found that VES had a high sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing pure vestibular neuritis, making it a valuable complementary sign on CT imaging.
JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY
(2023)
Review
Oncology
Paul Windisch, Carole Koechli, Susanne Rogers, Christina Schroder, Robert Forster, Daniel R. Zwahlen, Stephan Bodis
Summary: In recent years, machine learning in radiology of the central nervous system has gained much attention and produced interesting results. However, the research on benign tumors is still at an early stage. Adherence to best practices in machine learning could facilitate comparisons between studies and contribute to the development of models that have potential for clinical practice.
