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Other Neurological Disorders (other + neurological_disorders)
Selected AbstractsRandomized trial of botulinum toxin injections into the salivary glands to reduce drooling in children with neurological disordersDEVELOPMENTAL MEDICINE & CHILD NEUROLOGY, Issue 2 2008S M Reid MClinEpi BAppSc (physio) The primary aim of this randomized, controlled trial was to assess the effectiveness of botulinum toxin A (BoNT-A) injections into the submandibular and parotid glands on drooling in children with cerebral palsy (CP) and other neurological disorders. Secondary aims were to ascertain the duration of any such effect and the timing of maximal response. Of the 48 participants (27 males, 21 females; mean age 11y 4mo [SD 3y 3mo], range 6-18y), 31 had a diagnosis of CP and 15 had a primary intellectual disability; 27 children were non-ambulant. Twenty-four children randomized to the treatment group received 25 units of BoNT-A into each parotid and submandibular gland. Those randomized to the control group received no treatment. The degree and impact of drooling was assessed by carers using the Drooling Impact Scale questionnaire at baseline and at monthly intervals up to 6 months postinjection/baseline, and again at 1 year. Maximal response was at 1 month at which time there was a highly significant difference in the mean scores between the groups. This difference remained statistically significant at 6 months. Four children failed to respond to the injections, four had mediocre results, and 16 had good results. While the use of BoNT-A can help to manage drooling in many children with neurological disorders, further research is needed to fully understand the range of responses. [source] Exploring the relationship between white matter and gray matter damage in early primary progressive multiple sclerosis: An in vivo study with TBSS and VBMHUMAN BRAIN MAPPING, Issue 9 2009Benedetta Bodini Abstract We investigated the relationship between the damage occurring in the brain normal-appearing white matter (NAWM) and in the gray matter (GM) in patients with early Primary Progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS), using Tract-Based Spatial Statistics (TBSS) and an optimized voxel-based morphometry (VBM) approach. Thirty-five patients with early PPMS underwent diffusion tensor and conventional imaging and were clinically assessed. TBSS and VBM were employed to localize regions of lower fractional anisotropy (FA) and lower GM volume in patients compared with controls. Areas of anatomical and quantitative correlation between NAWM and GM damage were detected. Multiple regression analyses were performed to investigate whether NAWM FA or GM volume of regions correlated with clinical scores independently from the other and from age and gender. In patients, we found 11 brain regions that showed an anatomical correspondence between reduced NAWM FA and GM atrophy; of these, four showed a quantitative correlation (i.e., the right sensory motor region with the adjacent corticospinal tract, the left and right thalamus with the corresponding thalamic radiations and the left insula with the adjacent WM). Either the NAWM FA or the GM volume in each of these regions correlated with disability. These results demonstrate a link between the pathological processes occurring in the NAWM and in the GM in PPMS in specific, clinically relevant brain areas. Longitudinal studies will determine whether the GM atrophy precedes or follows the NAWM damage. The methodology that we described may be useful to investigate other neurological disorders affecting both the WM and the GM. Hum Brain Mapp 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Professional approaches to stroke treatment in Japan: a relationship-centred modelJOURNAL OF EVALUATION IN CLINICAL PRACTICE, Issue 2 2006Brian Taylor Slingsby M.P.H. Abstract Rationale, To examine how stroke professionals in Japan approach rehabilitation therapy. Methods, This qualitative study was based on Grounded Theory. Data collection included (1) non-participatory observation, (2) non-structured interviews, and (3) semi-structured interviews. A national hospital located in an urban area of the prefecture of Kanagawa in Japan specializing in the treatment of stroke and other neurological disorders. Stroke professionals (doctors, nurses, clinical psychologists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and speech therapists), patients and patients' families. Results, (1) Professionals recognized patient motivation as a factor related to rehabilitation outcome, but believed it to be a direct product of fostered fiduciary relationships and effective patient interaction. (2) Professionals regarded fiduciary relationships as the most important determinant of rehabilitation outcome. (3) Professionals adapted their behaviour and communication style in aims of fostering fiduciary relationships. These findings informed a three-component model of care: the Relationship-centred Model. Conclusions, The Relationship-centred Model describes how stroke professionals in Japan approach rehabilitative therapy. This model of care may be preferred by patients in other countries who also favour a family-centred approach to decision making. [source] Role of mitogen-activated protein kinases in the mechanism of oxidant-induced cell swelling in cultured astrocytesJOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH, Issue 11 2010M. Moriyama Abstract Cytotoxic brain edema, usually a consequence of astrocyte swelling, is an important complication of stroke, traumatic brain injury, hepatic encephalopathy, and other neurological disorders. Although mechanisms underlying astrocyte swelling are not fully understood, oxidative stress (OS) has generally been considered an important factor in its pathogenesis. To better understand the mechanism(s) by which OS causes cell swelling, we examined the potential involvement of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in this process. Cultures exposed to theoxidant H2O2 (10, 25, 50 ,M) for different time periods (1,24 hr) significantly increased cell swelling in a triphasic manner. Swelling was initially observed at 10 min (peaking at 30 min), which was followed by cell shrinkage at 1 hr. A subsequent increase in cell volume occurred at approximately 6 hr, and the rise lasted for at least 24 hr. Cultures exposed to H2O2 caused the activation of MAPKs (ERK1/2, JNK and p38-MAPK), whereas inhibition of MAPKs diminished cell swelling induced by 10 and 25 ,M H2O2. These findings suggest that activation of MAPKs is an important factor in the mediation of astrocyte swelling following oxidative stress. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Upregulation of Serotonin Transporter by Alcohol in Human Dendritic Cells: Possible Implication in Neuroimmune DeregulationALCOHOLISM, Issue 10 2009Dakshayani Kadiyala Babu Background:, Alcohol is the most widely abused substance and its chronic consumption causes neurobehavioral disorders. It has been shown that alcohol affects the function of immune cells. Dendritic cells (DC) serve as the first line of defense against infections and are known to accumulate neurotransmitters such as 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT). The enzyme monoamine oxidase-A (MAO-A) degrades 5-HT that is associated with clinical depression and other neurological disorders. 5-HT is selectively transported into neurons through the serotonin transporter (SERT), which is a member of the sodium- and chloride-dependent neurotransmitter transporter (SLC6) family. SERT also serves as a receptor for psychostimulant recreational drugs. It has been demonstrated that several drugs of abuse such as amphetamine and cocaine inhibit the SERT expression; however, the role of alcohol is yet to be elucidated. We hypothesize that alcohol can modulate SERT and MAO-A expression in DC, leading to reciprocal downregulation of 5-HT in extracellular medium. Methods:, Dendritic cells were treated with different concentrations (0.05% to 0.2%v/v) of alcohol for 24,72 hours and processed for SERT and MAO-A expression using Q-PCR and Western blots analysis. In addition, SERT function in DC treated with alcohol both in the presence and absence of imipramine, a SERT inhibitor was measured using 4-[4-(dimethylamino)styryl]-1-methylpyridinium iodide uptake assay. 5-HT levels in culture supernatant and intracellular 5-hydroxy indole acetic acid (5-HIAA) and cyclic AMP were also quantitated using ELISA. Results:, Dendritic cells treated with 0.1% alcohol for 24 hours showed significant upregulation of SERT and MAO-A expression compared with untreated DC. We also observed that 0.1% alcohol enhanced the function of SERT and decreased extracellular 5-HT levels compared with untreated DC cultures, and this was associated with the elevation of intracellular 5-HIAA and cyclic AMP levels. Conclusions:, Our study suggests that alcohol upregulates SERT and MAO-A by elevating cyclic AMP, which may lead to decreased concentration of 5-HT in the extracellular medium. As 5-HT is a major neurotransmitter and an inflammatory mediator, its alcohol-mediated depletion may cause both neurological and immunological deregulation. [source] Homonymous hemianopia in a pug with necrotising meningoencephalitisJOURNAL OF SMALL ANIMAL PRACTICE, Issue 4 2000W. A. Beltran A 24-month-old female pug, which had previously been treated for visual hemifield loss, was referred with generalised seizures and other neurological disorders. A diagnosis of necrotising meningoencephalitis was suggested from the clinical signs together with the results of computed tomography and cerebrospinal fluid examination. This was confirmed seven months later by histological examination of the brain following euthanasia. Typical histopathological lesions of the disease were found in various areas of both cerebral hemispheres, including the visual striated cortex of the right cerebrum. [source] Brain engraftment and therapeutic potential of stem/progenitor cells derived from mouse skinTHE JOURNAL OF GENE MEDICINE, Issue 4 2006Patrizia Tunici Abstract Skin stem/progenitor cells (SKPs) derive from the dermis and in culture can generate mesodermal and neural progenies. To investigate their potential for the treatment of brain diseases, we first injected SKPs into the brain of syngeneic mice. Brain histology indicated that most SKPs remained undifferentiated and clustered at the injection site, while, in vitro, 17% of SKPs expressed neural markers, as assessed by flow cytometry. After labeling with magnetodendrimers, murine and human SKPs were detected by magnetic resonance imaging even 5 months after brain injection. To evaluate their therapeutic potential on malignant gliomas, IL-4 SKPs (i.e. SKPs transduced by a lentiviral vector carrying the cDNA of the anti-glioma cytokine interleukin-4) were injected into GL261 experimental gliomas. IL-4-SKPs prolonged significantly the survival of tumor-bearing mice: furthermore, GL261 gliomas attracted SKPs originally injected into the contralateral hemisphere. Thus, prolonged survival, capacity for transgene expression, and lack of uncontrolled proliferation suggest that SKPs warrant further consideration as therapeutic tools for brain tumors and, possibly, other neurological disorders. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Increased cerebrospinal fluid chitotriosidase index in patients with multiple sclerosisACTA NEUROLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 5 2010M. M. Verbeek Verbeek MM, Notting EA, Faas B, Claessens-Linskens R, Jongen PJH. Increased cerebrospinal fluid chitotriosidase index in patients with multiple sclerosis. Acta Neurol Scand: 2010: 121: 309,314. © 2009 The Authors Journal compilation © 2009 Blackwell Munksgaard. Objective,,, To investigate chitotriosidase (CTTS) activity in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients in relation to disease course and CSF markers for immune activation or inflammation. Materials and methods,,, We studied 80 patients with relapsing,remitting MS (RRMS), 24 with secondary progressive MS (SPMS), 20 with primary progressive MS (PPMS) and 29 patients with other neurological disorders (OND). We measured CTTS activity and studied the correlation with CSF mononuclear cell count (MNC) and intrathecal IgG production. Results,,, CTTS activity was significantly higher in CSF, but not in serum, from the total MS group compared with OND and controls. In RRMS and SPMS CTTS, index was increased compared with controls (RRMS, 0.10 ± 0.21; SPMS, 0.10 ± 0.15; controls, 0.021 ± 0.020), but not in PPMS (0.061 ± 0.052). CTTS index was higher in MS patients with elevated MNC or CSF-restricted oligoclonal IgG bands than in MS patients without these CSF findings. Conclusions,,, CTTS index is elevated in RRMS and SPMS. The CTTS index is related to CSF markers of inflammation or immune activation. [source] Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody (anti-CCP antibody) is present in the sera of patients with dementia of Alzheimer's type in AsianACTA NEUROLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 5 2010K. Satoh Satoh K, Kawakami A, Shirabe S, Tamai M, Sato A, Tsujihata M, Nagasato K, Eguchi K. Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody (anti-CCP antibody) is present in the sera of patients with dementia of Alzheimer's type in Asian. Acta Neurol Scand. 2010: 121: 338,341. © 2009 The Authors Journal compilation © 2009 Blackwell Munksgaard. Background,,, In the hippocampi of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients, aberrant expression of citrullinated proteins and peptidylarginase 2 (PADI2) has been identified. We explored the functional roles of these proteins by means of detection of serum anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody (anti-CCP antibody) in patients with dementia of Alzheimer's type (DAT). Methods,,, Sera were obtained from 42 patients with DAT, 30 patients with other neurological disorders and 42 healthy controls. Gender ratio and age were comparable among the three groups. The level of anti-CCP antibody in sera was examined by ELISA. Findings,,, Anti-CCP antibody was not found in the 30 patients with other neurological disorders, and only one of the 42 healthy controls (2.4%) was positive. However, surprisingly, anti-CCP antibody was clearly detected in eight of the 42 DAT patients. Interpretation,,, Anti-CCP antibody appears to be a simple and early serologic biomarker for DAT among dementia patients. Additionally, our data imply that citrullinated proteins accumulated in the astrocytes of AD patients acquire neo-antigenicity, inducing anti-CCP antibody production. 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