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Objective: Epileptogenesis is linked to neuroinflammation. We hypothesized that local heat production caused by neuroinflammation can be visualized non‐invasively in vivo via brain magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) and MRSI‐thermometry (MRSI‐t) and that there is a relationship in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) between MRSI‐t and brain metabolites choline and myo‐inositol and between neuroimaging and cellular and serum biomarkers of inflammation. Methods: Thirty‐six (36) participants, 18 with temporal lobe epilepsy (13 females) and 18 age‐matched healthy controls (nine females), were enrolled prospectively and underwent MRSI/MRSI‐t; TLE participants also provided blood samples. Temperature was measured using creatine as a reference metabolite. Analysis of Functional NeuroImages 3dttest++ tool was used to analyze voxel‐level group differences in temperature, choline, and myo‐inositol. Associations with immune cell subsets, cytokines, and chemokines related to inflammation were quantified using correlation coefficients with significant relationships as noted. Results: Patients with TLE showed elevated temperature, choline, and myo‐inositol in the temporal lobes. Higher brain temperature was associated with higher levels of cytokines and chemokines, including GM‐CSF, TNF, IL‐1β, and IL − 12p70, and lower frequency of immune cells including CD3+ T‐cells, CD4+ T‐cells, CD8+ T‐cells, and classical monocytes. Higher choline was associated with higher levels of the cytokines including LT‐α, IL‐13, and IL‐4, and higher myo‐inositol was associated with a higher frequency of CD4+ T‐cell and CD19+ B‐cell subsets and higher levels of cytokines and chemokines including LT‐α, IL‐13, and CCL3. Significance: This study, for the first time, showed that in temporal lobes of patients with TLE temperature and metabolite changes correlate with cellular and serum biomarkers of inflammation. Our results provide support for further development of MRSI‐t as a measure of neuroinflammation in epilepsy and potentially other neurological disorders and as an investigative and clinical tool. Plain Language Summary: Neuroinflammation is associated with excessive heat production which can be visualized with magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging and thermometry (MRSI‐t). We prospectively investigated the relationship between MRSI‐t and cellular and serum measures of peripheral inflammation in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE); we compared the results of MRSI‐t in patients with TLE to healthy controls. We showed a relationship between the temperature elevations in TLE and elevations of various measures of peripheral inflammation. Our results support further development of MRSI‐t as a measure of neuroinflammation in epilepsy and potentially other neurological disorders and as an investigative and clinical tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alzheimer's disease (AD) affects various brain cell types, including astrocytes, which are the most abundant cell types in the central nervous system (CNS). Astrocytes not only provide homeostatic support to neurons but also actively regulate synaptic signaling and functions and become reactive in response to CNS insults through diverse signaling pathways including the JAK/STAT, NF‐κB, and GPCR‐elicited pathways. The advent of new technology for transcriptomic profiling at the single‐cell level has led to increasing recognition of the highly versatile nature of reactive astrocytes and the context‐dependent specificity of astrocyte reactivity. In AD, reactive astrocytes have long been observed in senile plaques and have recently been suggested to play a role in AD pathogenesis and progression. However, the precise contributions of reactive astrocytes to AD remain elusive, and targeting this complex cell population for AD treatment poses significant challenges. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of astrocyte reactivity and its role in AD, with a particular focus on the signaling pathways that promote astrocyte reactivity and the heterogeneity of reactive astrocytes. Furthermore, we explore potential implications for the development of therapeutics for AD. Our objective is to shed light on the complex involvement of astrocytes in AD and offer insights into potential therapeutic targets and strategies for treating and managing this devastating neurodegenerative disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Multiple sclerosis is a chronic immune-mediated disease of the central nervous system affecting nearly 3 million people worldwide. Although much progress has been made in the understanding and treatment of MS, cures remain elusive. Objectives: To accelerate the development of cures for MS by updating the Pathways to Cures Research Roadmap based on a contemporary understanding of disease. The refined Roadmap will help to promote research in scientific areas with great potential to reveal insights leading to cures and inspire greater coordination of global resources. Methods: Refinements to the Roadmap were achieved during a Global Summit that included close to 200 academic and industry scientists, health care providers, policy makers, funders, and people with MS from 15 countries. Results: The refined Roadmap describes three pathways that target opportunities for generating scientific insights leading to cures. Recommendations for accelerating research progress include, lowering barriers for global data sharing, enhancing collaboration and coordination among research supporters, committing to sustained funding, considering implications for implementation, engaging PwMS and committing to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the global MS movement. Conclusion: The refined roadmap provides a strategic framework for tackling the complexities of MS and advancing prevention strategies, effective treatments, and cures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine established the Pittman Scholars Program in 2015 to elevate scientific impact and to support the recruitment and retention of highly competitive junior faculty. The authors examined the impact of this program on research productivity and on faculty retention. The authors evaluated publications and extramural grant awards and available demographic data for the Pittman Scholars compared to all junior faculty in the Heersink School of Medicine. From 2015 to 2021, the program awarded a diverse group of 41 junior faculty members across the institution. For this cohort, ninety-four new extramural grants were awarded and 146 grant applications were submitted since the inception of the scholar award. Pittman Scholars published a total of 411 papers during the term of the award. The faculty retention rate of the scholars was 95%, comparable to that of all Heersink junior faculty, with 2 recipients being recruited to other institutions. The implementation of the Pittman Scholars Program has been an effective strategy to celebrate scientific impact and acknowledge junior faculty members as outstanding scientists at our institution. The Pittman Scholars award allows junior faculty to use funds for their research program, publications, collaborations, and career advancement. The Pittman Scholars are recognized at local, regional, and national levels for the work they are contributing to academic medicine. The program has served as an important pipeline faculty development program and an avenue for individual recognition for research-intensive faculty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]