Brain ASAP

Epigenetic Biosignature of First-Episode Schizophrenia Identified via Machine Learning (2024)

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A new study uses AutoML and blood DNA methylation data to identify novel gene biomarkers for diagnosing schizophrenia (SCZ) with high accuracy. Highlights: Biomarker Discovery: AutoML identified three schizophrenia-specific gene methylation biomarkers: IGF2BP1, CENPI, and PSME4. Methylation Analysis: IGF2BP1 showed higher methylation and PSME4 showed lower methylation in SCZ patients compared to healthy controls, while …

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rTMS Improves Blood Biomarkers (BDNF, GDNF, Thiol, S100B) in Depression (2024 Study)

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Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) therapy improves key biochemical markers in major depressive disorder (MDD) patients, indicating its effectiveness as an antidepressant treatment. Highlights: Improved Antioxidant Levels: rTMS therapy significantly increased total antioxidant status (TAS), total thiol (TT), and native thiol (NT) levels in MDD patients compared to their levels before treatment. Reduced Oxidative Stress: …

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8 Plasma Biomarkers to Predict Parkinson’s Disease Up to 7 Years Before Motor Symptoms (2024 Study)

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A study identified a panel of eight plasma biomarkers that can predict Parkinson’s disease up to seven years before motor symptoms appear. Highlights: Biomarker Panel: The study validated a panel of 8 proteins, including Granulin precursor and Complement C3, using mass spectrometry, which can differentiate Parkinson’s patients from healthy controls and identify pre-motor individuals with …

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Chess Experts Differ in Chunk Memory & Brain Connectivity vs. Novices (2024 Study)

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Expert chess players use chunk memory to make better decisions, showing unique brain connectivity that helps them perform well even against tougher opponents. Highlights: Consistent Performance: Expert chess players perform equally well regardless of the difficulty level, unlike beginners whose performance drops with increased difficulty. Stronger Brain Connections: Experts show stronger connections in specific brain …

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Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) & White Matter Microstructure Changes in the Brain (2024 Study)

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TLDR: Patients with noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) exhibit significant changes in the white matter (WM) microstructure of their brains, particularly affecting the auditory and language pathways. Highlights: A study compared 122 patients with varying degrees of NIHL and 84 healthy controls. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) revealed significant differences in the white matter microstructure, particularly in …

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Low Vitamin D Increases Stroke Risk & Worsens Post-Stroke Prognosis (2024 Meta-Analysis)

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TLDR: Lower serum vitamin D levels are associated with an increased risk of stroke, particularly ischemic stroke, and are linked to poorer stroke outcomes. Highlights: The meta-analysis included 27 studies with 45,302 participants, finding a combined relative risk (RR) of 1.28 for stroke risk associated with low vitamin D levels. A lower level of serum …

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Depression Linked to Increased Risk of Knee Osteoarthritis (2024 Study)

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TLDR: A study found a bidirectional causal relationship between depression and osteoarthritis (OA) but only a one-way relationship where depression increases the risk of knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Highlights: Bidirectional Causality: There is a bidirectional causal relationship between depression and osteoarthritis (OA), meaning depression can increase the risk of OA and vice versa. Knee Osteoarthritis (KOA): …

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Olfactory Dysfunction Predicts Long-COVID: Fatigue & Cognitive Impairment After 1-Year (2024 Study)

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TLDR: Objective olfactory dysfunction 1-3 months after COVID-19 predicts post-COVID condition (PCC) and reduced quality of life after one year, while subjective symptoms do not. Highlights: Individuals with objectively measured olfactory dysfunction shortly after COVID-19 are more likely to develop long-term health issues and reduced quality of life a year later. Those with post-COVID condition …

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Herpes Zoster Vaccination Linked to Lower Dementia Risk (2024 Meta-Analysis)

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TLDR: Herpes zoster vaccination is linked to a lower risk of dementia, but more studies are needed to confirm this association. Highlights: Five high-quality studies involving 103,615 vaccinated patients were analyzed. Herpes zoster vaccination was associated with a reduced risk of dementia (pooled odds ratio: 0.84). High variability among studies was observed, necessitating a random …

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Gut Bacteria Abnormalities in Parkinson’s Disease: Global Analysis (2024)

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TLDR: A study identified specific gut microbial features in Parkinson’s disease (PD) across different countries, highlighting increased α-diversity, altered bacterial species, and decreased metabolites in PD patients. Highlights: Increased α-Diversity: The study found higher α-diversity in PD patients across six datasets from different countries. Altered Bacterial Species: Species such as Akkermansia muciniphila were increased, while …

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