40 research outputs found

    Setting the Stage: Neurobiological Effects of Music on the Brain

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    A better understanding of how and why we are so moved by music can emerge from a closer look at how the brain functions. Music causes both structural and functional changes in the brain, both with immediate exposure and over several weeks, months and years. By the very fact that music is processed by so many areas of the brain (ranging from the cortex, to the limbic system, to the neuroendocrine and even autonomic nervous systems), exerts an effect not only on our brain, but also on our bodies. As our understanding of how the biological processes of the brain evolve, so, it seems, will our ability to harness the properties of our evolutionary and instinctual response to music: one that arises from, and can thereby shape, our individual brain structure and function to mitigate collective disease severity and improve wellness across populations

    What's Love Got to do with it: Role of oxytocin in trauma, attachment and resilience

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    Oxytocin (OT) is a neurohypophysial hormone and neuropeptide produced by the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland. It has multiple physiological roles including stimulation of parturition and lactation, and promotion of pro-adaptive social behaviors necessary for mammalian survival. OT interacts with one receptor subtype: the OT receptor (OTR), which, upon stimulation, triggers different intracellular signal transduction cascades to mediate its physiological actions. Preclinical studies show that OT regulates social behaviors such as pair bonding, recognition and social interaction. It also coordinates the activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the release of corticotrophin-releasing hormone. Further evidence suggests that OT plays an important role in regulating caloric intake and metabolism, and in maintaining electrolyte and cardiovascular homeostasis. OT is also involved in attenuating the neurophysiological and neurochemical effects of trauma on the brain and body by facilitating both physical attachment such as wound healing, and psychological/social attachment, thereby increasing resilience to subsequent traumatic events. Clinical trials have reported that intranasal administration of OT provides therapeutic benefits for patients diagnosed with traumatic stress-related diseases such as major depressive disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder. OT's therapeutic benefits may result from context-dependent interactions with key neural pathways (social, cognitive, and reward), neurotransmitters (dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin, and endogenous opioids), and biomarkers (adrenocorticotropic hormone, cortisol, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate), that lead to a decrease in stress associated behaviors, and facilitate post-traumatic growth, ultimately leading to increased resilience, through improved social cohesion and attachment. OT induced-augmentation of physical and cognitive resilience may play a significant role in both the prevention of, and improved clinical outcomes for, traumatic stress-related disorders following either acute or enduring traumatic experiences

    Vortioxetine: a novel antidepressant for the treatment of major depressive disorder.

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    Vortioxetine is a novel antidepressant drug approved for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults. It is formulated into tablets and has a dose range of 5-20 mg. The recommended starting dose is 10 mg administered orally once daily without the need for food. Areas covered: This review focuses on the preclinical and clinical discovery of vortioxetine. It analyzes the pharmacological, neurochemical, and behavioral mechanisms of the medication and how these contribute to its potential therapeutic advantages as described in published preclinical and clinical studies and product labels. Expert opinion: Vortioxetine displays high affinity for serotonin transporter (SERT), and serotonin 5-HT3, 5HT1A, 5HT7 receptors. Functional studies show that vortioxetine acts as a SERT blocker, a 5-HT3, 5-HT7 receptor antagonist, and a 5-HT1A receptor agonist. The drug is active in animal models predictive of antipsychotic and antidepressant activities and demonstrates procognitive effects in several animal models that assessed memory, cognition, and executive functions. Short- and long-term clinical trials demonstrated the clinical efficacy of vortioxetine in treating depressive symptoms and cognitive deficits in MDD patients. It also displays fairly benign safety and tolerability profiles. Vortioxetine's unique psychopharmacological properties might contribute to an improved clinical outcome in MDD patient populations

    Tankandiraŋ Maasibo Duwaa: Prayers against Misfortune

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    The entire manuscript is available for download as a PDF file(s). Higher-resolution images may be available upon request. For technical assistance, please contact [email protected]. Fieldwork Team: Dr. Fallou Ngom (Pricipal Investigator; Director, African Studies Center), Ablaye Diakité (Local Project Manager), Mr. Ibrahima Yaffa (General Field Facilitator), and Ibrahima Ngom (photographer). Technical Team: Professor Fallou Ngom (Principal Investigator; Project Director and former Director of the African Studies Center at Boston University)), and Eleni Castro (Technical Lead, BU Libraries). This collection of Mandinka Ajami materials is copied as part of the African Studies Center’s African Ajami Library. This is a joint project between BU and the West African Research Center (WARC), funded by the British Library/Arcadia Endangered Archives Programme. Access Condition and Copyright: These materials are subject to copyright and are distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 License, which permits non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are fully cited using the information below. For use, distribution or reproduction beyond these terms, contact Professor Fallou Ngom ([email protected]). Citation: Materials in this web edition should be cited as: Ngom, Fallou, Castro, Eleni, & Diakité, Ablaye. (2018). African Ajami Library: EAP 1042. Digital Preservation of Mandinka Ajami Materials of Casamance, Senegal. Boston: Boston University Libraries: http://hdl.handle.net/2144/27112. For Inquiries: please contact Professor Fallou Ngom ([email protected]). For technical assistance, please contact [email protected] / Custodial history: The owner inherited it from his father after his death.The manuscript is an original copy written in classical Arabic dealing with tawḥīd (oneness of God). It includes prayers to thwart disaster and misfortune. The manuscript was written by Malick Samate, the owner’s grandfather

    Autism Spectrum Disorder: Classification, diagnosis and therapy

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    Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) refers to a group of neurodevelopmental disorders including autism, Asperger's syndrome (AS) and pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS). The new diagnostic criteria of ASD focuses on two core domains: social communication impairment and restricted interests/repetitive behaviors. The prevalence of ASD has been steadily increasing over the past two decades, with current estimates reaching up to 1 in 36 children. Hereditary factors, parental history of psychiatric disorders, pre-term births, and fetal exposure to psychotropic drugs or insecticides have all been linked to higher risk of ASD. Several scales such as the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS), The Autism Spectrum Disorder-Observation for Children (ASD-OC), The Developmental, Dimensional, and Diagnostic Interview (3di), are available to aid in better assessing the behaviors and symptoms associated with ASD. Nearly 75% of ASD patients suffer from comorbid psychiatric illnesses or conditions, which may include attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, Tourette syndrome, and others. Both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions are available for ASD. Pharmacological treatments include psychostimulants, atypical antipsychotics, antidepressants, and alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonists. These medications provide partial symptomatic relief of core symptoms of ASD or manage the symptoms of comorbid conditions. Non-pharmacological interventions, which show promising evidence in improving social interaction and verbal communication of ASD patients, include music therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and social behavioral therapy. Hormonal therapies with oxytocyin or vasopressin receptor antagonists have also shown some promise in improving core ASD symptoms. The use of vitamins, herbal remedies and nutritional supplements in conjunction with pharmacological and behavioral treatment appear to have some effect in symptomatic improvement in ASD, though additional studies are needed to confirm these benefits. Developing novel disease-modifying therapies may prove to be the ultimate intervention for sustained improvement of symptoms in ASD

    A systematic review on causes and triggers contributing to Amlapitta in contemporary era

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    In Ayurveda Ahara is considered as the best preventive medicine and solely responsible for health and illness, sorrow and happiness. Unlike many infectious diseases, lifestyle disorders are mostly preventable through modifications in lifestyle behaviors. Amlapitta, is often considered a lifestyle disorder were lifestyle choices play a significant role in its development and exacerbation. Amlapitta is the commonest Vyadhi of Annavaha Strotas, caused by vitiated Agni where Amlaguna of Pachak Pitta increases due to Samata manifesting symptoms such as Avipaka (indigestion), Amlotkalesh or Tikta Amlodgara (sour or bitter belching), Hridkantha Daha heart throat burning sensation) and Aruchi (anorexia) affecting more people in India.  Main causes for the disease are improper diet, habits, stress, not following Ahara Vidhi Visheshayatana, Viruddhahara, Asatmya Ahara, stale food, spicy irritant food, oily foods, bakery products, some fast foods, excess consumption of tea and coffee, excess food intake, drinking excess water after meals, freeze products, wine, cigarette smoking during meal etc., Amlapitta can be correlated with Acid Peptic Disorders which comprises of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, Gastritis, Functional Dyspepsia described in modern science. By promoting healthier lifestyles, individuals can reduce the incidence and severity of Amlapitta symptoms, improving their overall quality of life and well-being. Hence it is important to understand the causes and triggers of Amlapitta. This article’s focus will be on comprehending the factors responsible for development and exacerbation of Amlapitta in the contemporary period
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