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Lucchetti G, Lucchetti ALG, Vitorino LM, Martin EZ, de Araujo Almeida PO, Damiano BBF, Alvarenga WDA, Damiano RF. Quantitative and Qualitative Research in the Field of 'Spirituality and Health': An Introductory How-to-Guide from a Brazilian Perspective. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2024:10.1007/s10943-024-02086-5. [PMID: 39033480 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-024-02086-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
The present article aims to describe the different steps on how to design, develop and conduct quantitative and qualitative Spirituality and Health (S/H) studies from a Brazilian perspective, discussing definitions and instruments, and proposing a "how-to guide" for those interested in this field of research. A narrative review of the literature has been conducted by experts in the field of S/H aiming to develop a "how-to-guide". Spirituality is a very complex concept that has several challenges in the current scientific literature, including the lack of consensus in the definitions, the numerous dimensions assessed, the diverse instruments for measurement, the criticisms from other scholars, the great diversity of religious and cultural traditions and the growing number of "spiritual but not religious" individuals. This review supports that S/H studies may follow the high scientific standards, using consolidated research procedures and solid methods for both qualitative and quantitative research. Some peculiarities of the research methods for this field are discussed. S/H research is still under development, and there are several future directions for S/H studies, aiming to minimize previous criticisms and generating stronger evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giancarlo Lucchetti
- School of Medicine, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil
| | | | | | - Elena Zuliani Martin
- School of Medicine, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil
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Strobel J, Yousefzadeh-Nowshahr E, Deininger K, Bohn KP, von Arnim CAF, Otto M, Solbach C, Anderl-Straub S, Polivka D, Fissler P, Glatting G, Riepe MW, Higuchi M, Beer AJ, Ludolph A, Winter G. Exploratory Tau PET/CT with [11C]PBB3 in Patients with Suspected Alzheimer's Disease and Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration: A Pilot Study on Correlation with PET Imaging and Cerebrospinal Fluid Biomarkers. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1460. [PMID: 39062033 PMCID: PMC11274645 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12071460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Accurately diagnosing Alzheimer's disease (AD) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) is challenging due to overlapping symptoms and limitations of current imaging methods. This study investigates the use of [11C]PBB3 PET/CT imaging to visualize tau pathology and improve diagnostic accuracy. Given diagnostic challenges with symptoms and conventional imaging, [11C]PBB3 PET/CT's potential to enhance accuracy was investigated by correlating tau pathology with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers, positron emission tomography (PET), computed tomography (CT), amyloid-beta, and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). We conducted [11C]PBB3 PET/CT imaging on 24 patients with suspected AD or FTLD, alongside [11C]PiB PET/CT (13 patients) and [18F]FDG PET/CT (15 patients). Visual and quantitative assessments of [11C]PBB3 uptake using standardized uptake value ratios (SUV-Rs) and correlation analyses with clinical assessments were performed. The scans revealed distinct tau accumulation patterns; 13 patients had no or faint uptake (PBB3-negative) and 11 had moderate to pronounced uptake (PBB3-positive). Significant inverse correlations were found between [11C]PBB3 SUV-Rs and MMSE scores, but not with CSF-tau or CSF-amyloid-beta levels. Here, we show that [11C]PBB3 PET/CT imaging can reveal distinct tau accumulation patterns and correlate these with cognitive impairment in neurodegenerative diseases. Our study demonstrates the potential of [11C]PBB3-PET imaging for visualizing tau pathology and assessing disease severity, offering a promising tool for enhancing diagnostic accuracy in AD and FTLD. Further research is essential to validate these findings and refine the use of tau-specific PET imaging in clinical practice, ultimately improving patient care and treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joachim Strobel
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Katharina Deininger
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Karl Peter Bohn
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Markus Otto
- Department of Neurology, Halle University, 06120 Halle, Germany
| | - Christoph Solbach
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Dörte Polivka
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Patrick Fissler
- Psychiatric Services Thurgau (Academic Teaching Hospital of the University of Konstanz), 8596 Münsterlingen, Switzerland
| | - Gerhard Glatting
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Matthias W. Riepe
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy II, Ulm University, 89075 Ulm, Germany
| | - Makoto Higuchi
- National Institute of Radiological Sciences, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
| | - Ambros J. Beer
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Albert Ludolph
- Department of Neurology, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Gordon Winter
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany
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Gao S, Fan C, Wang Y, Yang W, Jiang H. LncRNA ENST00000440246.1 Promotes Alzheimer's Disease Progression by Targeting PP2A. Biochem Genet 2024; 62:2100-2116. [PMID: 37856039 DOI: 10.1007/s10528-023-10552-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an extremely prevalent neurodegenerative disease. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play pivotal roles in the regulation of AD. However, the function of most lncRNAs in AD remains to be elucidated. In this study, the effects of lncRNA ENST00000440246.1 on the biological characteristics of AD were explored. Differentially expressed lncRNAs in AD were identified through bioinformatics analysis and peripheral blood from thirty AD patients was collected to verify the expression of these lncRNAs by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The correlations between lncRNAs and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) or the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) were assessed by Pearson's correlation analysis. Immunofluorescence (IF), Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and flow cytometry assays were conducted to evaluate the biological effect of ENST00000440246.1 and protein phosphatase 2 A (PP2A) in SK-N-SH cells. Gene expression at the protein and mRNA levels was analyzed by Western blotting and RT-qPCR. The interaction between PP2A and ENST00000440246.1 was confirmed by IntaRNA and RNA pulldown assays. ENST00000440246.1 was upregulated and significantly negatively correlated with the MMSE and MoCA scores and the overexpression of ENST00000440246.1 inhibited cell proliferation and facilitated apoptosis and Aβ expression in SK-N-SH cells. Mechanistically, ENST00000440246.1 targeted PP2A and regulated AD-related gene expression. The silencing of ENST00000440246.1 had the opposite effect. Furthermore, PP2A overexpression reversed the influence of ENST00000440246.1 overexpression in SK-N-SH cells. In conclusion, ENST00000440246.1 could promote AD progression by targeting PP2A, which indicates that ENST00000440246.1 has the potential to be a diagnostic target in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shang Gao
- Experimental Center of Clinical Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230031, Anhui, China
| | - Chang Fan
- Experimental Center of Clinical Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230031, Anhui, China
| | - Yongzhong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine of the Ministry of Education, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230031, Anhui, China
- Department of pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230031, Anhui, China
| | - Wenming Yang
- Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine of the Ministry of Education, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230031, Anhui, China.
- Encephalopathy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230031, Anhui, China.
| | - Hui Jiang
- Experimental Center of Clinical Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230031, Anhui, China.
- Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine of the Ministry of Education, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230031, Anhui, China.
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Sharma M, Pal P, Gupta SK. The neurotransmitter puzzle of Alzheimer's: Dissecting mechanisms and exploring therapeutic horizons. Brain Res 2024; 1829:148797. [PMID: 38342422 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2024.148797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) represents a complex interplay of neurological pathways and molecular mechanisms, with significant impacts on patients' lives. This review synthesizes the latest developments in AD research, focusing on both the scientific advancements and their clinical implications. We examine the role of microglia in AD, highlighting their contribution to the disease's inflammatory aspects. The cholinergic hypothesis, a cornerstone of AD research, is re-evaluated, including the role of Alpha-7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors in disease progression. This review places particular emphasis on the neurotransmission systems, exploring the therapeutic potential of GABAergic neurotransmitters and the role of NMDA inhibitors in the context of glutamatergic neurotransmission. By analyzing the interactions and implications of neurotransmitter pathways in AD, we aim to shed light on emerging therapeutic strategies. In addition to molecular insights, the review addresses the clinical and personal aspects of AD, underscoring the need for patient-centered approaches in treatment and care. The final section looks at the future directions of AD research and treatment, discussing the integration of scientific innovation with patient care. This review aims to provide a comprehensive update on AD, merging scientific insights with practical considerations, suitable for both specialists and those new to the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Sharma
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, Swami Vivekanand Subharti University, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Pankaj Pal
- Department of Pharmacy, Banasthali Vidyapith, Rajasthan, India
| | - Sukesh Kumar Gupta
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of California, USA.
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Yan L, Li H, Qian Y, Zhang J, Cong S, Zhang X, Wu L, Wang Y, Wang M, Yu T. Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation: a new strategy for Alzheimer's disease intervention through the brain-gut-microbiota axis? Front Aging Neurosci 2024; 16:1334887. [PMID: 38476661 PMCID: PMC10927744 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2024.1334887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) is an emerging non-invasive technique designed to stimulate branches of the vagus nerve distributed over the body surface. Studies suggest a correlation between the brain-gut-microbiota (BGM) axis and the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The BGM axis represents a complex bidirectional communication system, with the vagus nerve being a crucial component. Therefore, non-invasive electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve might have the potential to modify-most of the time probably in a non-physiological way-the signal transmission within the BGM axis, potentially influencing the progression or symptoms of AD. This review explores the interaction between percutaneous vagus nerve stimulation and the BGM axis, emphasizing its potential effects on AD. It examines various aspects, such as specific brain regions, gut microbiota composition, maintenance of intestinal environmental homeostasis, inflammatory responses, brain plasticity, and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis regulation. The review suggests that tVNS could serve as an effective strategy to modulate the BGM axis and potentially intervene in the progression or treatment of Alzheimer's disease in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Yan
- The First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
- Graduate Department, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Hong Li
- The First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
- Graduate Department, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yulin Qian
- The First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Junfeng Zhang
- The First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
- Graduate Department, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Shan Cong
- The First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
- Graduate Department, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Xuemin Zhang
- Graduate Department, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Linna Wu
- Graduate Department, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yu Wang
- The First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Meng Wang
- The First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Tao Yu
- The First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
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Besser LM, Chrisphonte S, Kleiman MJ, O’Shea D, Rosenfeld A, Tolea M, Galvin JE. The Healthy Brain Initiative (HBI): A prospective cohort study protocol. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0293634. [PMID: 37889891 PMCID: PMC10610524 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0293634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Health Brain Initiative (HBI), established by University of Miami's Comprehensive Center for Brain Health (CCBH), follows racially/ethnically diverse older adults without dementia living in South Florida. With dementia prevention and brain health promotion as an overarching goal, HBI will advance scientific knowledge by developing novel assessments and non-invasive biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD), examining additive effects of sociodemographic, lifestyle, neurological and biobehavioral measures, and employing innovative, methodologically advanced modeling methods to characterize ADRD risk and resilience factors and transition of brain aging. METHODS HBI is a longitudinal, observational cohort study that will follow 500 deeply-phenotyped participants annually to collect, analyze, and store clinical, cognitive, behavioral, functional, genetic, and neuroimaging data and biospecimens. Participants are ≥50 years old; have no, subjective, or mild cognitive impairment; have a study partner; and are eligible to undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Recruitment is community-based including advertisements, word-of-mouth, community events, and physician referrals. At baseline, following informed consent, participants complete detailed web-based surveys (e.g., demographics, health history, risk and resilience factors), followed by two half-day visits which include neurological exams, cognitive and functional assessments, an overnight sleep study, and biospecimen collection. Structural and functional MRI is completed by all participants and a subset also consent to amyloid PET imaging. Annual follow-up visits repeat the same data and biospecimen collection as baseline, except that MRIs are conducted every other year after baseline. ETHICS AND EXPECTED IMPACT HBI has been approved by the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine Institutional Review Board. Participants provide informed consent at baseline and are re-consented as needed with protocol changes. Data collected by HBI will lead to breakthroughs in developing new diagnostics and therapeutics, creating comprehensive diagnostic evaluations, and providing the evidence base for precision medicine approaches to dementia prevention with individualized treatment plans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilah M. Besser
- Department of Neurology, Comprehensive Center for Brain Health, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Boca Raton, Florida, United States of America
| | - Stephanie Chrisphonte
- Department of Neurology, Comprehensive Center for Brain Health, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Boca Raton, Florida, United States of America
| | - Michael J. Kleiman
- Department of Neurology, Comprehensive Center for Brain Health, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Boca Raton, Florida, United States of America
| | - Deirdre O’Shea
- Department of Neurology, Comprehensive Center for Brain Health, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Boca Raton, Florida, United States of America
| | - Amie Rosenfeld
- Department of Neurology, Comprehensive Center for Brain Health, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Boca Raton, Florida, United States of America
| | - Magdalena Tolea
- Department of Neurology, Comprehensive Center for Brain Health, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Boca Raton, Florida, United States of America
| | - James E. Galvin
- Department of Neurology, Comprehensive Center for Brain Health, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Boca Raton, Florida, United States of America
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Besser LM, Chrisphonte S, Kleiman MJ, O'Shea D, Rosenfeld A, Tolea M, Galvin JE. The Healthy Brain Initiative (HBI): A prospective cohort study protocol. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.09.21.23295908. [PMID: 37808766 PMCID: PMC10557773 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.21.23295908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Background The Health Brain Initiative (HBI), established by University of Miami's Comprehensive Center for Brain Health (CCBH), follows racially/ethnically diverse older adults without dementia living in South Florida. With dementia prevention and brain health promotion as an overarching goal, HBI will advance scientific knowledge by developing novel assessments and non-invasive biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD), examining additive effects of sociodemographic, lifestyle, neurological and biobehavioral measures, and employing innovative, methodologically advanced modeling methods to characterize ADRD risk and resilience factors and transition of brain aging. Methods HBI is a longitudinal, observational cohort study that will follow 500 deeply-phenotyped participants annually to collect, analyze, and store clinical, cognitive, behavioral, functional, genetic, and neuroimaging data and biospecimens. Participants are ≥50 years old; have no, subjective, or mild cognitive impairment; have a study partner; and are eligible to undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Recruitment is community-based including advertisements, word-of-mouth, community events, and physician referrals. At baseline, following informed consent, participants complete detailed web-based surveys (e.g., demographics, health history, risk and resilience factors), followed by two half-day visits which include neurological exams, cognitive and functional assessments, an overnight sleep study, and biospecimen collection. Structural and functional MRI is completed by all participants and a subset also consent to amyloid PET imaging. Annual follow-up visits repeat the same data and biospecimen collection as baseline, except that MRIs are conducted every other year after baseline. Ethics and expected impact HBI has been approved by the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine Institutional Review Board. Participants provide informed consent at baseline and are re-consented as needed with protocol changes. Data collected by HBI will lead to breakthroughs in developing new diagnostics and therapeutics, create comprehensive diagnostic evaluations, and provide the evidence base for precision medicine approaches to dementia prevention with individualized treatment plans.
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