26 research outputs found
Decreased olfactory discrimination is associated with impulsivity in healthy volunteers
In clinical populations, olfactory abilities parallel executive function, implicating shared
neuroanatomical substrates within the ventral prefrontal cortex. In healthy individuals, the relationship
between olfaction and personality traits or certain cognitive and behavioural characteristics remains
unexplored. We therefore tested if olfactory function is associated with trait and behavioural impulsivity
in nonclinical individuals. Eighty-three healthy volunteers (50 females) underwent quantitative
assessment of olfactory function (odour detection threshold, discrimination, and identifcation). Each
participant was rated for trait impulsivity index using the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale and performed
a battery of tasks to assess behavioural impulsivity (Stop Signal Task, SST; Information Sampling
Task, IST; Delay Discounting). Lower odour discrimination predicted high ratings in non-planning
impulsivity (Barratt Non-Planning impulsivity subscale); both, lower odour discrimination and detection
threshold predicted low inhibitory control (SST; increased motor impulsivity). These fndings extend
clinical observations to support the hypothesis that defcits in olfactory ability are linked to impulsive
tendencies within the healthy population. In particular, the relationship between olfactory abilities and
behavioural inhibitory control (in the SST) reinforces evidence for functional overlap between neural
networks involved in both processes. These fndings may usefully inform the stratifcation of people at
risk of impulse-control-related problems and support planning early clinical interventions
The New England Neurosurgical Society: growth and evolution over 70 years
The New England Neurosurgical Society (NENS) was founded in 1951 under the leadership of its first President (Dr. William Beecher Scoville) and Secretary-Treasurer (Dr. Henry Thomas Ballantine). The purpose of creating the NENS was to unite local neurosurgeons in the New England area; it was one of the first regional neurosurgical societies in America. Although regional neurosurgical societies are important supplements to national organizations, they have often been overshadowed in the available literature. Now in its 70th year, the NENS continues to serve as a platform to represent the needs of New England neurosurgeons, foster connections and networks with colleagues, and provide research and educational opportunities for trainees. Additionally, regional societies enable discussion of issues uniquely relevant to the region, improve referral patterns, and allow for easier attendance with geographic proximity. In this paper, the authors describe the history of the NENS and provide a roadmap for its future. The first section portrays the founders who led the first meetings and establishment of the NENS. The second section describes the early years of the NENS and profiles key leaders. The third section discusses subsequent neurosurgeons who steered the NENS and partnerships with other societies. In the fourth section, the modern era of the NENS and its current activities are highlighted