Limbic-predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy (LATE) is a TDP-43 proteinopathy predominantly affecting limbic structures in older adults. This narrative review synthesizes evidence on neuropathology, clinical phenotypes, diagnostic frameworks, genetics, neuroimaging, and fluid biomarkers, distinguishing neuropathologically confirmed LATE neuropathologic change (LATE-NC) from probabilistic clinical LATE. A structured literature search centered on PubMed/MEDLINE and covering publications through 4 August 2026, was supplemented by OpenAlex, Europe PMC, citation tracking, and targeted registry searches. Historical HS-Aging and cerebral age-related TDP-43 with sclerosis (CARTS) terminology was also considered. Primary human studies were prioritized; no new meta-analysis was performed. LATE-NC is frequent in advanced age, although its prevalence varies across autopsy cohorts; it commonly coexists with Alzheimer disease neuropathologic change (ADNC). The limbic-predominant amnestic neurodegenerative syndrome (LANS) describes a clinical syndrome rather than TDP-43 pathology. Prospective autopsy-based diagnostic-accuracy validation of the 2025 clinical LATE criteria remains unavailable. Genetic associations are most consistently supported for apolipoprotein E (APOE), transmembrane protein 106B (TMEM106B), and granulin precursor (GRN). MRI and FDG-PET can support the assessment of limbic neurodegeneration but do not directly detect TDP-43. Candidate TDP-43 PET tracers, plasma TDP-43, cryptic-exon biomarkers, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) seed-amplification assays remain investigational. No clinically validated molecularly specific biomarker is available for LATE-NC. Priorities are prospective validation of clinical criteria and development of LATE-specific molecular biomarkers.
Dissociation and disconnection are central but often insufficiently integrated concepts in psychiatry and neurology. We propose that these processes represent a transdiagnostic dimension across several psychiatric and neurological disorders, requiring a unified biopsychosocial model. We first examine association as a fundamental principle of life—from cellular to social levels—introducing allostasis as the dynamic context in which association occurs. Dissociation is then analyzed as a process of rupture triggered by traumatic stress, emphasizing cognitive appraisal and cultural context. The predictive coding model is presented as a unifying framework in which dissociation reflects disrupted precision of predictions and prediction errors, particularly regarding interoceptive signals. We distinguish dissociation (phenomenological experience) from disconnection (neural substrate) and disintegration (neurodegenerative/vascular breakdown), and illustrate the model’s application to schizophrenia, anxiety, chronic pain, dementias, parkinsonism, and vascular pathologies. We also discuss the dimensional structure of dissociative phenomena. Finally, we outline therapeutic strategies aimed at restoring association—neuroplasticity, learning, behavioral activation, pharmacological interventions, somatic approaches, and social integration. We conclude that an integrative view of dissociation and disconnection opens new horizons for diagnosis and therapy within the biopsychosocial continuum.
Background: Persistent limitations in walking, functional mobility, and balance restrict independence and participation after spinal cord injury (SCI). Robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) can deliver repetitive and intensive gait practice, but its advantages over non-robotic rehabilitation remain uncertain. Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated whether RAGT improves functional mobility and balance compared with study-specific control interventions in adolescents and adults with SCI. Methods: PubMed, PEDro, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science, EBSCOhost, ScienceDirect, and Wiley Online Library were searched from inception to March 2026. RAGT was defined as gait training delivered by a powered or actuated electromechanical system that actively guided or assisted lower-limb joint movement during treadmill-based or overground walking. Randomized controlled trials involving individuals aged ≥15 years with SCI were eligible. Quantitative synthesis was restricted to clinically compatible RAGT-versus-non-robotic-control contrasts; balance was synthesized narratively. Methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro scale, and certainty was evaluated using GRADE. Results: Twelve RAGT trials involving 362 participants met the operational definition. Three trials (n = 67) contributed to the primary functional mobility meta-analysis. The pooled effect was small and non-significant (SMD = 0.27, 95% CI −0.30 to 0.85; I2 = 27%). All retained trials were classified as high quality using the prespecified PEDro threshold (≥6/10); GRADE certainty remained low for functional mobility and very low for balance. Balance evidence was sparse and was synthesized narratively. Conclusions: Current evidence does not demonstrate that RAGT is superior to non-robotic control interventions for improving functional mobility after SCI. RAGT may be a feasible adjunct for standardized gait practice, but its comparative effectiveness and effect on direct postural balance remain uncertain.
On behalf of the Swiss Society of Neurosurgery (SSNS) and the Swiss Society of Neuroradiology (SSNR), we are pleased to present the Abstracts of the Joint Annual Meeting 2026 which is held in St. Gallen, Switzerland, 29–30 October 2026. 95 abstracts were selected whereof 9 abstracts as oral presentations and 86 abstracts as ePoster in the ePoster Flash presentation Session. We congratulate all the presenters on their research work and contribution.
