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The article discusses the brain's waste removal mechanisms, focusing on the glymphatic and lymphatic systems, and how these processes could inform new therapeutic strategies for neurological diseases. It highlights how lymphatic drainage in the central nervous system (CNS) relies on the meningeal lymphatic vessels in the dura mater and the glymphatic system, responsible for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulation and waste clearance.

Background: Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is a complex condition with both mechanical and chemical effects, resulting in mortality rates of 50-80%. Recent reports advocate for neuroendoscopic treatment, particularly endoscopic brainwashing (EBW), but long-term functional outcomes remain insufficiently explored. This study aims to outline the step-by-step procedure of EBW as applied in our institution, providing results and comparing them with those of external ventricular drainage (EVD) alone., Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of adult patients with IVH who underwent EBW and patients submitted to EVD alone at our institution. All medical records were reviewed to describe clinical and radiological characteristics., Results: Although both groups had similar baseline factors, EBW patients exhibited a larger hemoventricle (median Graeb score 25 vs. 23 in EVD, P = 0.03) and a higher prevalence of chronic kidney disease and diabetes. Short-term mortality was lower in EBW (52% and 60% at 1 and 6 months) compared to EVD (80% for both), though not statistically significant (P = 0.06). At one month, 16% of EBW patients achieved a good outcome (Modified Rankin scale < 3) versus none in the EVD group (P = 0.1). In the long term, favorable outcomes were observed in 32% of EBW patients and 11% of EVD patients (P = 0.03), with no significant difference in shunt dependency., Conclusion: Comparing EBW and EVD, patients submitted to the former treatment have the highest modified Graeb scores and, at a long-term follow-up, have better outcomes, demonstrated by the improvement of the patients in the follow-up., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest., (Copyright: © 2024 Surgical Neurology International.)

This paper explores the depiction of brainwashing and psychological manipulation in Chinua Achebe's seminal novel Things Fall Apart, focusing on how these methods are employed by colonial forces to disrupt and transform the traditional Igbo society. The analysis examines the various techniques used by missionaries and colonial administrators to undermine indigenous beliefs and impose new cultural and religious norms. By closely reading the experiences of key characters--such as Nwoye, Okonkwo, and other villagers--the paper illustrates how these methods create internal conflict and cultural dissonance within the community. The study draws on theories of psychological coercion and social influence to argue that Achebe's narrative reveals the insidious nature of colonial brainwashing, which operates not only through overt force but also through subtle psychological strategies that exploit existing cultural tensions. The paper concludes by discussing the broader implications of these findings for understanding the psychological impact of colonialism on traditional societies. This research contributes to post-colonial studies by highlighting the psychological dimensions of cultural change and resistance, providing a nuanced understanding of the complexities involved in the colonial encounter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is a complex condition with both mechanical and chemical effects, resulting in mortality rates of 50-80%. Recent reports advocate for neuroendoscopic treatment, particularly endoscopic brainwashing (EBW), but long-term functional outcomes remain insufficiently explored. This study aims to outline the step-by-step procedure of EBW as applied in our institution, providing results and comparing them with those of external ventricular drainage (EVD) alone. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of adult patients with IVH who underwent EBW and patients submitted to EVD alone at our institution. All medical records were reviewed to describe clinical and radiological characteristics. Results: Although both groups had similar baseline factors, EBW patients exhibited a larger hemoventricle (median Graeb score 25 vs. 23 in EVD, P = 0.03) and a higher prevalence of chronic kidney disease and diabetes. Short-term mortality was lower in EBW (52% and 60% at 1 and 6 months) compared to EVD (80% for both), though not statistically significant (P = 0.06). At one month, 16% of EBW patients achieved a good outcome (Modified Rankin scale < 3) versus none in the EVD group (P = 0.1). In the long term, favorable outcomes were observed in 32% of EBW patients and 11% of EVD patients (P = 0.03), with no significant difference in shunt dependency. Conclusion: Comparing EBW and EVD, patients submitted to the former treatment have the highest modified Graeb scores and, at a long-term follow-up, have better outcomes, demonstrated by the improvement of the patients in the follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thought control ability (TCA) plays an important role in individuals' health and happiness. Previous studies demonstrated that TCA was closely conceptually associated with happiness. However, empirical research supporting this relationship was limited. In addition, the neural basis underlying TCA and how this neural basis influences the relationship between TCA and happiness remain unexplored. In the present study, the voxel‐based morphometry (VBM) method was adopted to investigate the neuroanatomical basis of TCA in 314 healthy subjects. The behavioral results revealed a significant positive association between TCA and happiness. On the neural level, there was a significant negative correlation between TCA and the gray matter density (GMD) of the bilateral amygdala. Split‐half validation analysis revealed similar results, further confirming the stability of the VBM analysis findings. Furthermore, gray matter covariance network and graph theoretical analyses showed positive association between TCA and both the node degree and node strength of the amygdala. Moderation analysis revealed that the GMD of the amygdala moderated the relationship between TCA and happiness. Specifically, the positive association between TCA and self‐perceived happiness was stronger in subjects with a lower GMD of the amygdala. The present study indicated the neural basis underlying the association between TCA and happiness and offered a method of improving individual well‐being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rugby union is one of several sports that is increasingly associated with both short-term and long-term health risks related to traumatic brain injuries sustained while playing the sport. Also, in recent years, various sport governing bodies have been shown to have promoted misleading claims about injury. These issues have contributed to what is commonly referred to as a 'concussion crisis'. In 2021, World Rugby, the global governing body of the Rugby Union, released and promoted a video called 'Staying on top of your game: Rugby and brain health'. This video provides an insight into how World Rugby frames the issue of brain injury in the sport of Rugby Union in relation to brain health of players and former players. In this paper, we present an analysis of the video, guided by the principles of discourse analysis and Benoit's theory of image restoration. Our analysis critiques how rugby union is presented as positive and beneficial for brain health, with its potential to contribute towards neurodegeneration downplayed. Frames of family, inevitability of brain injury, responsibility and balance are used by World Rugby to shape thinking about brain health. Concurrently, the strategies of bolstering, as well as evasion of organisational responsibility are employed to manage the crisis. We build on discourses of washing by proposing the term brainwashing to describe the tactic of image repair employed by (sport) organisations to focus attention on positive discussions around brain health and away from negative discourses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Constantly shifting like a floating signifier, the interpretive life of "realness" has meant different things to global Hip-Hop adherents: staying true to oneself; reppin' one's hood; production styles such as boom bap; cadence, delivery, and flow; vivid storytelling; and underground resistance to forces of capitalist cooptation, among others. Yet to many others, realness means language – the artful capacity to rap, talk, and style oneself in ways that index one's cultural roots and identities. In this article, I consider the latter understanding of realness through the theoretical lens of decolonial meta-rap. In decolonial meta-rap, Nigerian emcees turn the reflexive apparatus of Hip-Hop back to itself, in the process raising questions about anglonormativity and colonial continuities in Nigeria. Focusing on the discourses of these emcees as well as their self-presentations in oral interviews and music videos, I argue that Nigerian emcees both popularize and continue the long decolonial struggle against cultural sites of colonial power in Africa. Di tin wey dem dey call realness for Hip-Hop dey mean different different tin to different different pipo wey dey follow Hip-Hop for everywhere. E fit mean say person no dey deceive imsef. Or e fit mean as rapper dey tell tori and how dem dey flow for dem music. E fit also mean di kain beat wey we dey hear for Hip-Hop music and how dem dey take make am. For oda pipo, realness dey mean say person dey proud to rap for im language and associate wit im culture. Dis my article dey observe dis last one. For dis article, I dey observe di way Naija rappers take dey use dem language and culture challenge colo-mentality for Nigeria. I tok say as dem dey rap, dem dey fight di kain brainwashing wey dey make person tink say oyinbo beta pass any language for Naija or Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A module has recently been developed within a mobile application (app) with the purpose of addressing dysfunctional beliefs associated with eating disorders (ED). The aim was to conduct a preliminary efficacy study by analyzing changes after use of the app in a general adult population. A quasi-experimental design was used in which 86 people completed a baseline assessment, and of them, 32 used the app daily for 3 minutes over a period of 15 days and completed the post-treatment assessment. Results before and after use of the app showed a decrease in mean scores for dysfunctional beliefs about perfectionism associated with physical appearance, vulnerability to weight gain, and the importance of thought control, as well as an increase in self-esteem. No significant reduction in eating symptomatology or depressive symptoms was observed. The results suggest that the app could be useful in reducing dysfunctional beliefs associated with ED. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brain-computer interfaces have so far focused largely on enabling the control of a single effector, for example a single computer cursor or robotic arm. Restoring multi-effector motion could unlock greater functionality for people with paralysis (e.g., bimanual movement). However, it may prove challenging to decode the simultaneous motion of multiple effectors, as we recently found that a compositional neural code links movements across all limbs and that neural tuning changes nonlinearly during dual-effector motion. Here, we demonstrate the feasibility of high-quality bimanual control of two cursors via neural network (NN) decoders. Through simulations, we show that NNs leverage a neural 'laterality' dimension to distinguish between left and right-hand movements as neural tuning to both hands become increasingly correlated. In training recurrent neural networks (RNNs) for two-cursor control, we developed a method that alters the temporal structure of the training data by dilating/compressing it in time and re-ordering it, which we show helps RNNs successfully generalize to the online setting. With this method, we demonstrate that a person with paralysis can control two computer cursors simultaneously. Our results suggest that neural network decoders may be advantageous for multi-effector decoding, provided they are designed to transfer to the online setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Complex robotic systems, such as humanoid robot hands, soft robots, and walking robots, pose a challenging control problem due to their high dimensionality and heavy non-linearities. Conventional model-based feedback controllers demonstrate robustness and stability but struggle to cope with the escalating system design and tuning complexity accompanying larger dimensions. In contrast, data-driven methods such as artificial neural networks excel at representing high-dimensional data but lack robustness, generalization, and real-time adaptiveness. In response to these challenges, researchers are directing their focus to biological paradigms, drawing inspiration from the remarkable control capabilities inherent in the human body. This has motivated the exploration of new control methods aimed at closely emulating the motor functions of the brain given the current insights in neuroscience. Recent investigation into these Brain-Inspired control techniques have yielded promising results, notably in tasks involving trajectory tracking and robot locomotion. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the foremost trends in biomimetic brain-inspired controlmethods to tackle the intricacies associated with controlling complex robotic systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study outlines a typology of dystopias and narrative allegories about Communist Romania, discussing three famous novels: The Black Church by A. E. Baconsky, The Second Messenger by Bujor Nedelcovici, and Farewell, Europe! by Ion D. Sîrbu. The three novels were prohibited from being published during the Communist regime of Nicolae Ceaușescu and became drawer manuscripts, seeing the light of print only after the fall of Communism, in 1990, 1991, and 1992-1993. Baconsky’s novel circulated in samizdat (between 1976-1977) and was made into a series by the Munich-based Radio Free Europe, which broadcast clandestinely inside Romania. Nedelcovici’s novel was translated into French in 1985, and was very successful. In Romanian literature, Ion D. Sîrbu’s novel is considered the most important “drawer” work. All three novels, as dystopias, allegories and parables, focus on three recurrent topics: the world of oppressors, the world of victims and the method of brainwashing.

Neoadjuvant stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for brain metastases can be safe and effective. However, the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) in this setting is unknown. Prior neoadjuvant series reported de-escalated SRS doses relative to definitive (i.e., RTOG 9005) doses, possibly due to concerns for combined toxicity. We hypothesized that definitive SRS doses could be used in the neoadjuvant setting without significant toxicity or post-operative complications. This is a single institution phase I trial. Patients with at least one brain metastasis ≤4 cm in diameter planned for resection and up to 4 brain metastases total were enrolled. We treated a single lesion with single fraction SRS prior to resection. Initial doses were 18Gy for tumors ≤2cm, 14Gy for tumors 2.1-3cm, and 13Gy for tumors 3.1-4cm. Dose was escalated using the Bayesian optimized adaptive Escalation with Overdose Control design with an upper bound of 24Gy. Following resection, MRI was obtained every 3 months. Dose limiting toxicities (DLT) were defined as significant CNS events (e.g., ≥g2 stroke, ≥g3 seizure) within 30 days of SRS. The primary endpoint was MTD. Secondary endpoints included local control, distant brain control, and overall survival. Exploratory endpoints included changes in T-cell and myeloid cell populations in peripheral blood and in the resected irradiated tumor prior to and after SRS analyzed with flow cytometry (FC). 25 patients were enrolled. Median follow up was 12.3 months (interquartile range 2.5-27.7 months). Median tumor size was 2.2cm (range 1.2-4.0cm). 9 patients were enrolled onto the ≤2cm dose strata, 10 onto the 2.1-3cm strata, and 6 onto the 3.1-4cm strata. Median doses by stratum were 23Gy (max 24Gy), 19Gy (max 23Gy), and 16.5Gy (max 18Gy), respectively. Overall cohort median dose was 20Gy (range 13-24Gy). No DLTs or significant post-operative complications occurred. SRS was generally well tolerated with only one grade 3 CNS event unrelated to treatment. 15/25 (60%) patients died. Overall survival at 1 and 2 years was 54.2% and 37.5%, respectively. Local control at 1 and 2 years was 93.3% and 84.9%, respectively. Univariable Cox regression did not show a significant association between dose and local control (p=0.68). Distant brain control at 1 and 2 years was 68.1% and 61.3%, respectively. One patient developed leptomeningeal disease and 2 patients developed radiation necrosis at 7.5 and 11.9 months post resection. FC results on peripheral blood showed alterations in immune cell populations after SRS and resection, and we present FC characterization of the immune cells in the radiated tumors. Neoadjuvant SRS was safely escalated up to 24Gy for tumors ≤2cm, 23Gy for tumors 2.1-3cm, and 18Gy for tumors 3.1-4cm. These findings provide rationale for use of definitive or higher doses even in metastases planned for resection. We did not find evidence of a dose response relationship with local control though our analysis is limited by a low number of recurrences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unwanted intrusive thoughts (UITs) have been studied in obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) but, despite the relationship between OCD and depression, there is a relative paucity of research investigating intrusive thoughts in patients with depression. The present study investigated intrusive thoughts in participants with OCD, major depressive disorder (MDD), and non-clinical participants. Participants with OCD (n = 50), MDD (n = 50), and non-clinical participants (n = 80) were assessed with the International Intrusive Thoughts Interview Schedule (IITIS), an interview protocol designed to assess UITs. Participants with OCD reported significantly more contamination thoughts but significantly fewer harm, religious/immoral, and other intrusive thoughts than those with MDD. Participants with OCD further endorsed greater frequency, distress, and importance of removing thoughts, and more difficulty removing intrusive thoughts of contamination compared to the MDD and non-clinical samples. The thought appraisal strategies of intolerance of uncertainty and thought-action fusion were reported more frequently in the OCD group compared to the MDD group. Thought control strategies, ritual checking and doing nothing were reported more in the OCD than the MDD group, whereas non-clinical participants reported utilizing more distraction compared to those with OCD and MDD. The results suggest that UITs are common across OCD, depressed patients and community sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Due to the complex nature of chronic pain, especially in older adults, a biopsychosocial approach is more effective than an isolated approach for its management. Furthermore, when patients are actively engaged in their pain management, they are more likely to be successful than relying totally on others. Objective: To analyze the self-management strategies currently used by older adults with chronic pain. Method: An integrative review was conducted through seven online databases, searching for scientific studies on this topic published in the last 10 years. Results and conclusion: Fifty-eight studies were included in the final sample. Research on chronic pain self-management for older adults has increased in recent years. Although a diversity of chronic physical painful conditions are being investigated, many conditions are still under-investigated. Online and in-person strategies are currently adopted, demonstrating similar results. Positive results are evidenced by strategies including health promotion, mind control, social participation and take-action fields. Major results come from a combination of strategies focusing on biopsychosocial aspects of pain management. Results include not only the reduction of pain itself, but increased self-efficacy, adoption of health behaviors and improvement of functionality, among others, i.e., improved QoL, despite pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The peak prevalence of multiple sclerosis has shifted into older age groups, but co-occurring and possibly synergistic motoric and cognitive declines in this patient population are poorly understood. Dual-task-walking performance, subserved by the prefrontal cortex, and compromised in multiple sclerosis and aging, predicts health outcomes. Whether acute practice can improve dual-task walking performance and prefrontal cortex hemodynamic response efficiency in multiple sclerosis has not been reported. To address this gap in the literature, the current study examined task- and practice-related effects on dual-task-walking and associated brain activation in older adults with multiple sclerosis and controls. Multiple sclerosis (n = 94, mean age = 64.76 ± 4.19 years) and control (n = 104, mean age = 68.18 ± 7.01 years) participants were tested under three experimental conditions (dual-task-walk, single-task-walk, and single-task-alpha) administered over three repeated counterbalanced trials. Functional near-infrared-spectroscopy was used to evaluate task- and practice-related changes in prefrontal cortex oxygenated hemoglobin. Gait and cognitive performances declined, and prefrontal cortex oxygenated hemoglobin was higher in dual compared to both single task conditions in both groups. Gait and cognitive performances improved over trials in both groups. There were greater declines over trials in oxygenated hemoglobin in dual-task-walk compared to single-task-walk in both groups. Among controls, but not multiple sclerosis participants, declines over trials in oxygenated hemoglobin were greater in dual-task-walk compared to single-task-alpha. Dual-task walking and associated prefrontal cortex activation efficiency improved during a single session, but improvement in neural resource utilization, although significant, was attenuated in multiple sclerosis participants. These findings suggest encouraging brain adaptability in aging and neurological disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]