Topic: attention deficits

Thalamic networks, at the core of thalamocortical and thalamosubcortical communications, underlie processes of perception, attention, memory, emotions, and the sleep-wake cycle, and are disrupted in mental disorders, including schizophrenia and autism. However, the underlying mechanisms of pathology are unknown. I will present novel evidence on key organizational principles, structural, and molecular features of thalamocortical networks, as well as critical thalamic pathway interactions that are likely affected in disorders. This data can facilitate modeling typical and abnormal brain function

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is one of the most prevalent rare genetic diseases, confronting patients with numerous medical (neurological, cutaneous, osseous) and neuropsychological symptoms. To identify risk factors and allow for targeted neuropsychological intervention, potential associations between the heterogenous somatic and cognitive phenotype have been proposed.The present study harnesses the benefits of machine learning analysis to investigate potential non-/linear associations between the medical and neuropsychological profiles of n=236 pediatric NF1 patients. A total of 14 models