Synergistic Effect between the APOE ε4 Allele with Genetic Variants of GSK3B and MAPT: Differential Profile between Refractory Epilepsy and Alzheimer Disease.

Temporal Lobe Epilepsy (TLE) is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurrent focal seizures originating in the temporal lobe. Despite the variety of antiseizure drugs currently available to treat TLE, about 30% of cases continue to have seizures. The etiology of TLE is complex and multifactorial. Increasing evidence indicates that Alzheimer's disease (AD) and drug-resistant TLE present common pathological features that may induce hyperexcitability, especially aberrant hyperphosphorylation of tau protein. Genetic polymorphic variants located in genes of the microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPT) and glycogen synthase kinase-3ß (GSK3B) have been associated with the risk of developing AD. The APOE ε4 allele is a major genetic risk factor for AD. Likewise, a gene-dose-dependent effect of ε4 seems to influence TLE. The present study aimed to investigate whether the APOE ɛ4 allele and genetic variants located in the MAPT and GSK3B genes are associated with the risk of developing AD and drug-resistant TLE in a cohort of the Mexican population. A significant association with the APOE ε4 allele was observed in patients with AD and TLE. Additional genetic interactions were identified between this allele and variants of the MAPT and GSK3B genes.

Problematic Internet Use and Personality Traits: Results in Working Age Adults.

INTRODUCTION: Problematic Internet use has become a growing problem worldwide; several factors, including personality, play an essential role in understanding this disorder. The Big Five personality traits and their association with problematic Internet use were examined in a large and diverse population. METHODS: A survey was applied to a total of 1,109 adults of working age. Each answered the Big Five Inventory and the Internet Addiction Test. RESULTS: Problematic Internet use was found in 10.6% of them (n=112). The personality traits extraversion and openness to experience were significantly associated with those with the disorder. With adjustment models, a positive association was found between these traits and being single and higher education. CONCLUSIONS: This study represents the largest of its kind in the Spanish-speaking population, highlighting the importance of recognising the factors involved in problematic Internet use.

Deep-brain stimulation in treatment-resistant obsessive-compulsive disorder: Clinical and molecular neuroimaging correlation.

INTRODUCTION: Obsessive-compulsive disorder is defined by the presence of obsessions and compulsions that cause marked anxiety or distress and has been associated with a disruption in cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical circuitry. After treatment, around 50% of patients continue to experience incapacitating symptoms. Deep-brain stimulation has been shown to be an effective therapeutic alternative to regular treatment. METHODS: Case report. CASE PRESENTATION: A 54-year-old woman with a diagnosis of treatment-resistant obsessive-compulsive disorder was treated with deep-brain stimulation of the anterior limb of the internal capsule. Molecular imaging before and after the procedure was obtained and correlated with clinical features. CONCLUSIONS: Deep-brain stimulation may be a therapeutic alternative to regular care in treatment-resistant obsessive-compulsive disorder and can be correlated to functional changes in suspected anatomical structures.

Problematic Internet Use and Personality Traits: Results in Working Age Adults / Uso problemático de internet y rasgos de personalidad: resultados en adultos en edad laboral

ABSTRACT Introduction: Problematic Internet use has become a growing problem worldwide; several factors, including personality, play an essential role in understanding this disorder. The Big Five personality traits and their association with problematic Internet use were examined in a large and diverse population. Methods: A survey was applied to a total of 1,109 adults of working age. Each answered the Big Five Inventory and the Internet Addiction Test. Results: Problematic Internet use was found in 10.6% of them (n = 112). The personality traits extraversion and openness to experience were significantly associated with those with the disorder. With adjustment models, a positive association was found between these traits and being single and higher education. Conclusions: This study represents the largest of its kind in the Spanish-speaking population, highlighting the importance of recognizing the factors involved in problematic Internet use.

RESUMEN Introducción: El uso problemático de internet es un problema creciente en todo el mundo; múltiples factores, como la personalidad, tienen un papel esencial en la comprensión de esta entidad. Los 5 grandes factores de personalidad y su asociación con el uso problemático de internet se evaluaron en una población grande y diversa. Métodos: Se aplicó una encuesta a un total de 1.109 adultos en edad productiva. Cada uno contestó el Inventario Big Five y el Internet Addiction Test. Resultados: Se encontró uso problemático de internet en el 10,6% de ellos (n = 112). En cuanto a rasgos de personalidad, la extroversión y la apertura a experiencias se asociaron significativamente con el uso problemático. Con modelos de ajuste, estos rasgos tuvieron una asociación positiva con no tener pareja y una educación superior. Conclusiones: Este estudio representa el más amplio de su tipo en población hispanohablante y destaca la importancia de reconocer los factores que intervienen en el uso problemático de internet.

Deep-brain stimulation in treatment-resistant obsessive-compulsive disorder: Clinical and molecular neuroimaging correlation / Estimulación cerebral profunda en el trastorno obsesivo compulsivo resistente a tratamiento: correlato clínico y de neuroimagen molecular

ABSTRACT Introduction: Obsessive-compulsive disorder is defined by the presence of obsessions and compulsions that cause marked anxiety or distress and has been associated with a disruption in corticostriato-thalamo-cortical circuitry. After treatment, around 50% of patients continue to experience incapacitating symptoms. Deep-brain stimulation has been shown to be an effective therapeutic alternative to regular treatment. Methods: Case report. Case presentation: A 54-year-old woman with a diagnosis of treatment-resistant obsessive-compulsive disorder was treated with deep-brain stimulation of the anterior limb of the internal capsule. Molecular imaging before and after the procedure was obtained and correlated with clinical features. Conclusions: Deep-brain stimulation may be a therapeutic alternative to regular care in treatment-resistant obsessive-compulsive disorder and can be correlated to functional changes in suspected anatomical structures.

RESUMEN Introducción: El trastorno obsesivo-compulsivo se define por la presencia de obsesiones y compulsiones que ocasionan ansiedad y malestar marcados, y se ha asociado con una alteración en los circuitos cortico-estriado-tálamo-corticales. Tras tratamiento, alrededor de la mitad de los pacientes permanecen con síntomas discapacitantes. La estimulación cerebral profunda ha mostrado ser una alternativa efectiva al tratamiento usual. Métodos: Reporte de caso. Presentación del caso: Una mujer de 54 años con diagnóstico de trastorno obsesivo-compulsivo resistente a tratamiento fue tratada con estimulación cerebral profunda del brazo anterior de la cápsula interna. Se obtuvieron imágenes moleculares antes y después de la intervención y fueron correlacionadas con el cuadro clínico. Conclusiones: La estimulación magnética profunda puede ser una alternativa terapéutica al tratamiento usual en el trastorno obsesivo compulsivo resistente a tratamiento, y puede correlacionarse con cambios funcionales en estructuras anatómicas de sospecha.