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Journal of Neurotrauma. March 1, 2008, 25(3): 205-213
Although it is well known that traumatic brain injury (TBI) evokes traumatic axonal injury (TAI) within the brain, TBI-induced axonal damage in the spinal cord (SC) has been less extensively investigated.
International Journal of Cancer Volume 122, Issue 11 , Pages 2542 - 2553
Cancer/testis antigens (CTAs) are considered to be suitable targets for the immunotherapy of human malignancies. It has been demonstrated that in a variety of tumors, the expression of certain CTAs is activated via the demethylation of their promoter CpG islands.
Neurosurgical Focus March 2008 Volume 24, Number 3-4
Stroke is a common cause of death and disability. The role of cellular transplantation to promote functional recovery has been explored. Preclinical studies first established the potential for cultured neuronal cells derived from a teratocarcinoma cell line to be tested for safety and efficacy in the treatment of human stroke.
Neurosurgical Focus March 2008 Volume 24, Number 3-4
Embryonic stem (ES) cells are pluripotent cells derived from the inner cell mass of the early mammalian embryo. Because of their plasticity and potentially unlimited capacity for self-renewal, ES cells have generated tremendous interest both as models for developmental biology and as possible tools for regenerative medicine.
Here we report a patient with stage-4 bilateral cystic adrenal neuroblastomas with disseminated liver metastases and consumption coagulopathy who underwent liver transplant.
Journal of Neurosurgical Anesthesiology. 20(2):78-104, April 2008
The 2007 literature pertaining to perioperative care of neurosurgical patients contains a wealth of articles. In this review, we provide a synopsis of common themes and unique contributions that are relevant to the care of patients with neurologic disorders who require either neurosurgical intervention or care in a neurosurgical-based intensive care unit.
Clinical Nuclear Medicine. 33(4):255-257, April 2008
Metastatic brain lesions generally demonstrate hypermetabolic foci on fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) images. A large area of photopenia of the brain on FDG-PET is most likely consistent with a benign etiology.
Journal of Neurotrauma. March 1, 2008, 25(3): 173-183
There is little information about national in-hospital complication rates, adverse outcomes, and mortality after spinal fusion for spinal cord injury (SCI).
Pesticides and correlated lifestyle factors (e.g., exposure to well-water and farming) are repeatedly reported risk factors for Parkinson's disease (PD), but few family-based studies have examined these relationships.
Neurosurgical Focus March 2008 Volume 24, Number 3-4
Huntington disease (HD), caused by polyglutamate expansions in the huntingtin protein, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease resulting in cognitive and motor impairments and death. Neuronal dysfunction and degeneration contribute to progressive physiological, motor, cognitive, and emotional disturbances characteristic of HD.
Neurosurgical Focus March 2008 Volume 24, Number 3-4
Preliminary discoveries of the efficacy of cell therapy are currently being translated to clinical trials. Whereas a significant amount of work has been focused on cell therapy applications for a wide array of diseases, including cardiac disease, bone disease, hepatic disease, and cancer, there continues to be extraordinary anticipation that stem cells will advance the current therapeutic regimen for acute neurological disease.
Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways involve two closely related MAPKs, known as extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1 and ERK2.
Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy, Volume 9, Number 4, March 2008 , pp. 523-535(13)
Late-stage Parkinson's disease is characterised by patients dependent on caregivers for their activities of daily living, even under the best levodopa benefit. Non-motor signs that overcome the well-known motor signs of Parkinson's disease dominate late-stage Parkinson's disease and few systematic data exist for the treatment of these signs.
QJM 2008 101(4):291-298
Intravenous alteplase is licensed for treatment of ischaemic stroke within 3 h of onset. Up to one-third of patients in the UK present to hospital within this time window but few are treated.
Increasing regulation of medical research, in particular the requirement for explicit consent, may reduce the quantity and quality of clinical epidemiological research.
Little is known about age and cerebral autoregulation in children with traumatic brain injury (TBI). The authors compared cerebral autoregulation between young (aged <4 yr) and older (aged >=4 yr) children with TBI.
Future Neurology, Volume 3, Number 2, March 2008 , pp. 199-216(18)
Pediatric stroke research presents many challenges. Relatively low incidence, need for age stratification, diverse etiologies, delays in diagnosis, lack of an established age-based stroke severity scale and outcome measures are only some of the issues that have prevented the implementation of clinical trials in infants and children with stroke.
Sarcoidosis is a chronic disease of unknown etiology characterized by the presence of T lymphocytes, mononuclear phagocytes, and noncaseating epithelioid granulomas in the tissues.
The primary aim of this article is to critically review the clinical features and comorbidities, epidemiology, pathophysiology, and treatment of impulse control disorder (ICD) associated with Parkinson disease (PD).
Future Neurology, Volume 3, Number 2, March 2008 , pp. 189-198(10)
During the time period following damage, the brain undergoes widespread reorganizational processes. Manipulations of behavioral experience can be potent therapeutic interventions for shaping this reorganization and enhancing long-term functional outcome.
Isolated left ventricular noncompaction (ILVNC) is a rare congenital condition that is the result of an intrauterine developmental arrest, which stops the compaction of the loose myocardial fiber meshwork of the left ventricle.
International Journal of Cancer Volume 122, Issue 11 , Pages 2503 - 2510
Deletion of the short arm of chromosome 1 is common in oligodendroglial tumors and has been identified as a powerful molecular marker for response to radio- and chemotherapy as well as favorable prognosis.
Histological analyses of glioblastoma cells after carbon-ion exposure are still limited and ultrastructural characteristics have not been investigated in detail.
Inflammatory pseudotumors (IPs) arising in the CNS (IP-CNS) are quite rare. We report here a case of IP in a 5-year-old boy. Intraoperatively there was a well-defined extra-axial lesion in the right frontobasal region with CSF all around.
Since it has recently been reported that caveolin-1 (cav-1) may favor the progression of prostatic and renal cancers by stimulating tumor neoangiogenesis, we thought it of interest to analyze the correlation between cav-1 expression and tumor microvessel density (MVD) in meningiomas.
We report an autopsy case of congenital astrocytoma and its histopathological changes during 5 years of the patient's development from birth to death. At birth, a right exophthalmic tumor was observed, and MRI revealed that the tumor occupied the right orbital space and had also affected the suprasellar diencephalic structures.
Neuropathology Volume 28 Issue 2 Page 165-170, April 2008
We report a case of clear-cell ependymoma in a 20-month-old girl who presented with seizures. The tumor had several uncommon features including a solid consistency, a purely intracortical location, and a remarkable degree of desmoplasia.
We report on deep brain stimulation (DBS) in the ventral intermediate part of the thalamus in 4 patients with complex tremor syndromes, 2 classified as Holmes tremor (HT) and 2 as thalamic tremor (TT).
This report describes the long-term follow-up of chronic stimulation of the posterior limb of the internal capsule (IC) adjacent to the sensory thalamus in an elderly patient who suffered pain and spasticity in the left leg due to stroke.
To assess the variability of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) size, orientation and target coordinates from direct visualization on high-resolution magnetic resonance (MR) images in patients undergoing surgical intervention for Parkinson's disease.
In subthalamic nucleus (STN) deep brain stimulation (DBS) lead implantation, it is still controversial whether it is more appropriate to employ indirect or direct methods in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based tentative targeting and to select single- or multiple-track recording in electrophysiological definitive targeting.
In Spain, stroke is one of the major causes of death and the main cause of severe disability in people over 65 years. We analyzed the incidence of ischemic stroke, stroke subtypes, case fatality and disability at 90 days after the event in a Spanish population.
In the cerebral cortex, GABAergic interneurons are often regarded as fast-spiking cells. We have identified a type of slow-spiking interneuron that offers distinct contributions to network activity.
Cannabinoid receptors play key roles in brain function, and cannabinoid effects in brain physiology and drug-related behavior are thought to be mediated by receptors present in neurons. Neuron-astrocyte communication relies on the expression by astrocytes of neurotransmitter receptors.
Journal of the Neurological Sciences Volume 268, Issue 1, Pages 150-159 (15 May 2008)
Functional outcome has become a key parameter for the determination of the efficacy of therapeutic interventions. Unfortunately, functional tests are not established for filament perforation induced subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Therefore, we evaluated generally applied functional tasks for their potential to discriminate between various degrees of neuronal damage.
Journal of the Neurological Sciences Volume 268, Issue 1, Pages 140-144 (15 May 2008)
We describe a 39-year-old Japanese woman with familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (FALS) in whom we identified a missense mutation (Gly93-Ser) in exon 4 of the Cu/Zn superoxidase dismutase-1 (SOD1) gene in which no pathological data have been available.
Journal of the Neurological Sciences Volume 268, Issue 1, Pages 131-135 (15 May 2008)
Mutations in NIPA1 cause hereditary spastic paraplegia type 6 (SPG6 HSP). Sequencing of the whole gene has revealed alterations of either of two nucleotides in eight of nine SPG6 HSP families reported to date.
Journal of the Neurological Sciences Volume 268, Issue 1, Pages 117-123 (15 May 2008)
To investigate Blood Oxygen Level Dependent (BOLD) responses to interictal epileptic discharges (IEDs) during EEG-correlated functional MRI (EEG-fMRI) in patients with partial epilepsy.
Journal of the Neurological Sciences Volume 268, Issue 1, Pages 108-116 (15 May 2008)
Niemann-Pick disease type C (NPC) is a neurovisceral lipid storage disorder characterized by progressive and widespread
neurodegeneration. Although some characteristic symptoms of NPC result from brainstem dysfunction, little information is available about which brainstem structures are affected.
Journal of the Neurological Sciences Volume 268, Issue 1, Pages 95-101 (15 May 2008)
To investigate longitudinal changes in the survival rate of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan, we made a retrospective hospital-based study of 454 patients diagnosed with motor neuron disease (MND) at Wakayama Medical University (WMU) Hospital between 1966 and 2005.
Journal of the Neurological Sciences Volume 268, Issue 1, Pages 83-86 (15 May 2008)
There are data in the literature indicating that the number of microembolic signals (MES) in patients with patent foramen ovale (PFO) is directly related to stroke incidence and recurrence. We thus hypothesized that the amount of artificially induced microembolic signals monitored by contrast transcranial Doppler (cTCD) would be greater in younger patients with PFO and stroke (when cryptogenic strokes related to the PFO are frequent).
Journal of the Neurological Sciences Volume 268, Issue 1, Pages 28-32 (15 May 2008)
Although amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly progressive neurodegenerative disorder, some ALS cases can survive beyond 10 years. However, the predictors of long survival in ALS patients remain uncertain.
Journal of the Neurological Sciences Volume 268, Issue 1, Pages 18-27 (15 May 2008)
The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of diazoxide on apoptosis and the relative mechanisms in a model of brain injury induced by cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) during deep hypothermia.
Journal of the Neurological Sciences Volume 268, Issue 1, Pages 6-11 (15 May 2008)
Sudden cardiac death is the leading cause of mortality, accounting for approximately 50% of all cardiovascular deaths and 12% deaths. Although sudden deaths are commonly seen in patients with structural and ischemic heart diseases, some patients lack any evidence of coronary atherosclerosis or structural heart abnormalities.
To study long-term consequences of brain injury on health status, driving characteristics and car accidents. To study whether driving 10 years after brain injury was retrospectively related to cognitive functioning and on-road driving performance 10 years before.
Each year in Ireland, 11 000 patients are admitted to hospital with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) but there are no data on subsequent disability in such patients. The objective of this study was to assess the management and outcome in patients of working age admitted with TBI to the unit.
To examine functional outcomes of school-age children with acquired brain injuries (ABI) at discharge from one inpatient rehabilitation programme in the Northeast, USA.
A previous study has shown that children with brain injuries are worse than their same age peers at reading emotions. It has not clearly been established that cognitive impairments and emotion processing impairments are dissociable in children and the question of whether emotion-reading skills can be selectively impaired in children after brain injury is explored here.
Large cranial defects combined with hydrocephalus after decompressive craniectomy are a common, harsh reality among patients with head trauma. Typically, a shunt is first used to relieve the hydrocephalus. However, subsequently the patients may develop a severe sinking scalp flap over the skull defect before cranioplasty, which would make the procedure difficult.
A modified Stroop task was used to investigate the hypothesis that implicit memory may be a possible mechanism for the development of acute stress disorder (ASD) in patients who have suffered a closed head injury.
The number of electrical injuries are rising in proportion to the increased use of electricity in both domestic and industrial sectors. There are multiple ways in which electricity can cause tissue damage, which can be due to direct effects, electroporation and thermal effects.
The purpose of this study was to learn more about individual beliefs and personal strategies used to support the period of recovery after stroke. It sought to identify the factors that were perceived to be enablers as well as challenges to recovery. Personal actions or experiences, which were perceived to be effective in influencing progress, would be identified.
Many disabled stroke survivors live at home supported by informal caregivers. Research has revealed that these caregivers are experiencing strain. This study aims to examine the prevalence and differences over time of caregivers' strain in the first 6 months post-stroke and to predict caregiver strain based on patients' and caregivers' characteristics and service input.
Stroke occurs in many individuals of working age and can considerably disrupt their capacity for employment and other productive activities. Few studies have examined the relationship between loss of productivity and cognitive impairment, particularly deficits in executive function. The present study examined whether performance on tests of executive function is related to employment and productivity at 12-months follow-up.
An assistive device often means an evident change in a person's ability, more easy to notice than the effects of most of other types of physiotherapy or occupational therapy intervention. In spite of this, there is very little evidence in this area.
Journal of Neurotrauma. March 1, 2008, 25(3): 225-234
Secondary brain damage after traumatic brain injury (TBI) involves neuro-inflammatory mechanisms that are mainly dependent on the intracerebral production of cytokines.
Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention 17, 484-489,
Epidemiologists routinely conduct centralized single pathology reviews to minimize interobserver diagnostic variability, but this practice does not facilitate the combination of studies across geographic regions and institutions where diagnostic practices differ.
The objective of our study was to test the hypothesis that the finding of hyperintense hippocampal signal intensity on T2-weighted MR images soon after febrile status epilepticus is associated with subsequent hippocampal volume loss and persistent abnormal signal intensity on T2-weighted images (i.e., mesial temporal sclerosis).
Children with stage IV neuroblastoma (NBIV) are often malnourished at time of diagnosis, observed as high as 50%. The emphasis of this study was to determine whether an increased resting energy expenditure (REE) is a causative factor.
Epidural abscesses in children are extremely rare, especially in the posterior fossa. In some cases antibiotic therapy and surgical drainage are insufficient for complete healing.
Brain abscesses and ischaemic strokes complicate pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs). At risk individuals are poorly recognised. Stroke/abscess risk factors have not been defined.
American Journal of Neuroradiology 29:419-424, March 2008
There are substantial challenges in the radiologic evaluation of tumor size during clinical trials, and it is important for neuroradiologists to have a firm understanding of these issues. This review will examine measurement approaches, response criteria, selection of lesions for measurement, technical imaging considerations, interval between tumor measurements and response confirmation, and validity of imaging as a measure of efficacy.
This review reports on the various presentations as well as new revealed data relating to the epileptic disorder defined as childhood epilepsy with occipital paroxysms characterized by occipital epileptic discharges recorded by electroencephalography.
Clinical Cancer Research 14, 1804-1813, March 15, 2008
To determine if hyaluronan oligomers (o-HA) antagonize the malignant properties of glioma cells and treatment-resistant glioma side population (SP) cells in vitro and in vivo.
Circulating lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) has emerged as a novel biomarker for cardiovascular diseases. However, the correlation between the plaque expression of Lp-PLA2 and plaque oxidative stress, inflammation, and stability as well as the clinical presentation remains poorly defined, especially for cerebrovascular disease.
Recently independent studies reported an association between coronary heart disease and single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located at chromosome 9p21, near CDKN2A and CDKN2B genes. Given that stroke is a common complication after myocardial infarction, we investigated if the same SNPs were associated with ischemic stroke in our population.
Adult medulloblastoma accounts for less than 1% of adult intracranial tumors. Previous survival studies have been inconclusive because of small sample sizes and patient ascertainment bias.
Leukoaraiosis (LA) is associated with structural and functional vascular changes that may compromise tissue perfusion at the microvascular level. We hypothesized that the volume of LA correlated with the proportion of initially ischemic but eventually infarcted tissue in acute human stroke.
Incidence, prevalence, and mortality for stroke vary by race and ethnicity with higher rates for blacks compared with non-Hispanic whites. Little information is available regarding differences in postacute care outcomes for racial and ethnic groups after a stroke.
Characteristics of ultrasound-activated gaseous microspheres (µS) reflective of their size and quantities are needed for future dose-escalation and drug delivery trials.
The atherosclerotic process is associated with both morphological and functional changes in the carotid artery. We evaluated the relationship between these parameters of the carotid artery and the extent of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with preserved left ventricular function.
In focal ischemic cortex, cerebral blood flow autoregulation is impaired, and perfusion passively follows blood pressure variations. Although it is generally agreed that profound hypotension is harmful in acute stroke, the hemodynamic and metabolic impact of increased blood pressure on the ischemic core and penumbra are less well understood.
Although knowledge concerning cortical reorganization related to upper limb function after ischemic stroke is growing, similar data for lower limb movements are limited. Previous studies with hand movement suggested increasing recruitment of motor areas in the unlesioned hemisphere with increasing disability. We used ankle movement as a lower limb analog to test for similarities and differences in recovery patterns.
Most patients with cerebral sinus thrombosis (CST) recover after treatment with heparin, but a subgroup has a poor prognosis. Those patients may benefit from endovascular thrombolysis.
Understanding on distinct subsets of endothelial progenitor cells may provide insights of endothelial dysfunction or repair in the acute ischemic event. Recent in vitro data have reported the colony-forming unit (CFU) and outgrowth cell population as a subset of endothelial progenitor cells. In this study, we undertook to validate the significance of CFU number and outgrowth cell yield in acute stroke.
Stroke subjects treated within 3 hours had abnormal Thrombolysis in Brain Ischemia (TIBI) residual flow grades 0 to 3 before tPA on transcranial Doppler (TCD). Randomization included Controls (tPA+TCD) or Target (tPA+TCD+2.8 mL µS). The primary safety end point was symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) with worsening by >4 NIHSS points within 72 hours
Neurology Published online before print January 16, 2008
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most serious form of degenerative motor neuron disease in adults, characterized by upper and lower motor neuron degeneration, skeletal muscle atrophy, paralysis, and death.
Annals of Indian Academy of Neurology Year : 2007 Volume : 10 Issue : 4 Page : 255-258
Wilson's disease is an inborn error of copper metabolism, which is potentially treatable. This prospective study reports 21 cases of Wilson's disease from north-west India having various clinical, biochemical and radiological features. The study highlights that the juvenile forms showed predominantly dystonic features with high frequency of seizures, while elderly group of patients showed predominantly cerebellar features.
Annals of Indian Academy of Neurology Year : 2007 Volume : 10 Issue : 4 Page : 247-251
Rebleeding is an important cause for mortality following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. Early intervention is believed to reduce the risk of rebleeding. However, in developing countries such as India, early intervention is often difficult due to various reasons.
Annals of Indian Academy of Neurology Year : 2007 Volume : 10 Issue : 4 Page : 259-262
We present a report on an 18-year-old boy with Niemann-Pick disease Type C (NP-C) who presented with progressive decline in scholastic performance since 9 years of age. At 12 years, he developed abnormal behavior and after 2 years had insidious onset, progressive gait ataxia and dysarthria followed by dystonia of the right upper extremity, excessive drooling, dysphagia and nasal regurgitation.
Journal of Clinical Pharmacy & Therapeutics, Volume 33, Number 2, April 2008 , pp. 175-178(4)
Autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxias are clinically and genetically heterogeneous neurodegenerative disorders. There is no known treatment to prevent neuronal cell death in these disorders.
Journal of Clinical Pharmacy & Therapeutics, Volume 33, Number 2, April 2008 , pp. 211-214(4)
We present a series of cases of phenytoin toxicity where the diagnosis was initially missed. These patients all suffered unnecessary morbidity or investigations. The side-effects and unusual pharmacokinetics of phenytoin are discussed, as well as the array of potential drug interactions.
Fibroblast growth factor 5 (FGF5) is widely expressed in embryonic but scarcely in adult tissues. Here we report simultaneous overexpression of FGF5 and its predominant high-affinity receptor (FGFR1 IIIc) in astrocytic brain tumour specimens (N=49) and cell cultures (N=49).
Pediatrics International Volume 50 Issue 2 Page 189-194, April 2008
The present study was performed to investigate the effect of neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) on the neurotransmitter neurokinin A (NKA) and determine its relation to the severity of neonatal hypoxia.
Here, we describe neuroimaging findings of an unusual case of severe vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia producing obstructive hydrocephalus. CT and MRI performed in a 71-year-old woman presenting with clinical features of raised intracranial pressure revealed severely ectatic and tortuous vertebral and basilar arteries.
Patients often present to the emergency department following a generalized tonic-clonic seizure, particularly of new onset. Complications associated with seizures usually arise from injuries sustained from loss of consciousness or during convulsive activity.
The latest links to journal article abstracts on Traumatic Brain Injury, Neurology, Neuropsychology, Pharmacology, Brain Injury Rehabilitation, Stroke, Trauma, Research, Assistive Technology, Community Reentry and other related clinical topics.
In the 1960s, two major works on coma by Fisher, Plum and Poser were published and ushered in the beginning of a comprehensive clinical examination in coma.
The Journal of Infectious Diseases 2008;197:1053-1061
Antibodies to factor H (fH)-binding protein (fHBP), a meningococcal vaccine antigen, activate classical complement pathway serum bactericidal activity (SBA) and block binding of the complement inhibitor fH.
Journal of Clinical Oncology, Vol 26, No 9 (March 20), 2008: pp. 1504-1510
The excellent prognosis of localized neuroblastoma in infants, the overdiagnosis observed in neuroblastoma screening studies, and several case reports of regression of localized neuroblastoma prompted us to initiate a prospective cooperative trial on observation of localized neuroblastoma without cytotoxic treatment.
Journal of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology. 30(3):249-253, March 2008
We report 2 pediatric cases of cerebral fungal infection. A patient with severe aplastic anemia developed an Aspergillus species brain abscess and pulmonary aspergillosis after peripheral blood stem cell transplantation.
Neural stem cell (NSC) transplantation has been investigated as a means to reconstitute the damaged brain after stroke. In this study, however, we investigated the effect on acute cerebral and peripheral inflammation after intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH). NSCs (H1 clone) from fetal human brain were injected intravenously (NSCs-iv, 5 million cells) or intracerebrally (NSCs-ic, 1 million cells) at 2 or 24 h after collagenase-induced ICH in a rat model.
Our aim was to develop a detailed clinical description of fatal familial insomnia in a large patient group with respect to the M129V genotype. Data on 41 German fatal familial insomnia patients were analyzed. Clinical features, 14-3-3 proteins in the cerebrospinal fluid, magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography, single-photon emission computed tomography, polysomnography, and electroencephalography were studied.
Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation. Focus on Clinical Research and Practice. 23(2):116-122, March/April 2008
Sixty-two persons with concussion (Glasgow Coma Scale = 15) and negative head computed tomographic scan results were examined on arrival in the ED and 3 and 6 hours later.
Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation. Focus on Clinical Research and Practice. 23(2):103-115, March/April 2008
To compare the efficacy of 2 strategies, errorless learning (EL) and self-instruction training (SIT), for remediating emotion perception deficits in individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation. Focus on Clinical Research and Practice. 23(2):65-73, March/April 2008
To assess the interrelations of neuropsychological tests and rating scales with in vivo behavioral observation of impulsive behavior, accounting for the mode of expression (verbal or motor).
Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation. Focus on Clinical Research and Practice. 23(2):123-131, March/April 2008
Develop and validate a predictive model of the incidence of long-term disability following traumatic brain injury (TBI) and obtain national estimates for the United States in 2003.
Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation. Focus on Clinical Research and Practice. 23(2):92-102, March/April 2008
Investigate mothers' mental health, mother-child relationship, and family functioning 3 months after preschool children's head trauma and hospital discharge.
A 56-year-old woman presented with involuntary left arm and leg movements. MRI with gadolinium revealed a heterogeneously enhancing, extra-axial mass at the right frontoparietal convexity, causing mass effect, vasogenic edema, and dural thickening.
Despite suggestions that glucose levels rise after stroke before falling within a few hours, the natural history and determinants of this phenomenon remain unclear. We aimed to better characterize the time course of changes in glucose levels after ischemic stroke and to identify factors that affect poststroke glycemia.
The pathomechanisms of transient global amnesia (TGA) remain enigmatic. Focal MR signal diffusion changes in the CA-1 sector of the hippocampus have been described in transient global amnesia, but the pathophysiologic correlate of these lesions is unknown.
Optimal treatment remains uncertain for patients with cognitive impairment that persists or returns after standard IV antibiotic therapy for Lyme disease.
Annals of Indian Academy of Neurology Year : 2007 Volume : 10 Issue : 4 Page : 263-265
Intracranial aspergilloma is a dreadful CNS infection with nonspecific clinical manifestation and radiological features. Therefore, delay in the diagnosis is common, resulting in a fatal outcome in almost all the cases.
American Journal of Therapeutics. 15(2):137-149, March/April 2008
Although acute myocardial infarction (MI) and acute ischemic stroke share similarities, physicians need to recognize important differences in pathophysiology and how these differences affect acute treatment and prevention to provide optimal patient care. Potential causes of acute ischemic stroke are substantially more heterogeneous than for acute MI, and available acute therapies are substantially more limited.
Trigeminal neuralgia is a debilitating condition caused by compression of the trigeminal nerve, ganglions, or divisions. Gamma knife radiosurgery has been increasingly used in the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia as a non-invasive alternative to microvascular decompression and rhizotomies.
To elucidate the biological significance of dysplastic cells in malformations of cortical development, an immunohistochemical study was performed to investigate fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) expression in corticectomy specimens from epilepsy patients, including focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) with balloon cells (BCs) (n = 4; age/sex = 2M, 14F, 24M, 45M), tubers of tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC-tubers) (n = 2; 1F, 3F), FCD without BCs (n = 3; 23F, 23M, 25M), and gliotic lesions (n = 3; 12M, 25M, 29M).
Neurosurgical Focus March 2008 Volume 24, Number 3-4
The results of studies conducted in the past several years have suggested that malignant brain tumors may harbor a small fraction of tumor-initiating cells that are likely to cause tumor recurrence. These cells are known as brain tumor stem cells (BTSCs) because of their multilineage potential and their ability to self-renew in vitro and to recapitulate original tumors in vivo.
Neurosurgical Focus March 2008 Volume 24, Number 3-4
Mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) is presumed to develop progressively as a consequence of synaptic reorganization and neuronal loss, although the exact etiology of seizure development is unknown. Nearly 30% of patients with MTLE have disabling seizures despite pharmacological treatment, and the majority of these patients are recommended for resection.
Neurosurgical Focus March 2008 Volume 24, Number 3-4
Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), for which no effective treatment strategy is currently available, constitutes one of the most devastating forms of stroke. As a result, developing therapeutic options for ICH is of great interest to the medical community.
Neurosurgical Focus March 2008 Volume 24, Number 3-4
Recent advances in stem cell research and developmental neurobiology have uncovered new perspectives from which to investigate various forms of cancer. Specifically, the hypothesis that tumors consist of a subpopulation of malignant cells similar to stem cells is of great interest to scientists and clinicians and has been dubbed the "cancer stem cell hypothesis."
In pheochromocytoma and neuroblastoma, pathologic findings on metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) scintigraphy (planar and SPECT) and on diagnostic CT are sometimes difficult to correlate. Furthermore, CT reading may be impaired by anatomic distortion after surgery or irradiation and if contrast agent is not injected.
Global hypoxic-ischemic injury (HII) to the brain is a significant cause of mortality and severe neurologic disability. Imaging plays an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of HII, helping guide case management in the acute setting and providing valuable information about long-term prognosis.
American Journal of Neuroradiology 29:514-519, March 2008
Traumatic axonal injury is a primary brain abnormality in head trauma and is characterized by reduction of fractional anisotropy (FA) on diffusion tensor imaging (DTI).
American Journal of Neuroradiology 29:506-513, March 2008
Functional outcome in patients with minor head injury with neurocranial traumatic findings on CT is largely unknown. We hypothesized that certain CT findings may be predictive of poor functional outcome.
American Journal of Neuroradiology 29:542-549, March 2008
Defects at the skull base leading to spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea are rare lesions. The purpose of our study was to correlate CT and MR findings regarding the location and content of CSF leaks in 27 patients with endoscopic sinus surgery observations.
American Journal of Neuroradiology 29:409-418, March 2008
In this second article, we review the various strategies and applications that make use of reporter genes for molecular imaging of the brain in living subjects. These approaches are emerging as valuable tools for monitoring gene expression in diverse applications in laboratory animals, including the study of gene-targeted and trafficking cells, gene therapies, transgenic animals, and more complex molecular interactions within the central nervous system.
We report a case of incontinentia pigmenti with reversible cortex and subcortical white matter necrosis-like presentation by MR imaging. The reversible changes in follow-up imaging of the patient with incontinentia pigmenti suggest a course of natural repair of inflammation or cerebrovascular disease.
American Journal of Neuroradiology 29:483-487, March 2008
Knowledge of the anatomic basis of aphasia after stroke has both theoretic and clinical implications by informing models of cortical connectivity and providing data for diagnosis and prognosis.
American Journal of Neuroradiology 29:552-557, March 2008
Vestibular schwannomas (VS) may be difficult to differentiate from cerebellopontine angle (CPA) meningiomas. Demonstration of microhemorrhages in VS on T2*-weighted gradient-echo (GRE) sequences may have potential value to differentiate VS from CPA meningiomas.
American Journal of Neuroradiology 29:574-576, March 2008
Conventional imaging protocols are unable to visualize the intraforaminal/canalicular segments of the lower cranial nerves (IX-XII). On the basis of previous successful demonstration of individual cranial nerves within the cavernous sinus by constructive interference in steady-state MR imaging, we describe the use of contrast-enhanced 3D fast imaging employing steady-state acquisition MR imaging to demonstrate normal in vivo intraforaminal and canalicular segments of cranial nerves IX-XII in 10 patients by using a standardized imaging protocol.+
American Journal of Neuroradiology 29:608-612, March 2008
The routine use of distal filter devices during carotid angioplasty and stent placement (CAS) is controversial. The aim of this study was to analyze their effects on the incidence of new diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) lesions as surrogate markers for stroke in important subgroups.
American Journal of Neuroradiology 29:577-581, March 200
The reported MR imaging characteristics of cavernous sinus cavernous hemangiomas (CSCHs) in the literature are nonspecific. The purpose of our study was to explore dynamic enhancement features of CSCHs on conventional contrast-enhanced MR imaging and to correlate these features with histopathologic subtypes.
American Journal of Neuroradiology 29:594-602, March 2008
Four-section multisection CT angiography (MSCTA) accurately detects aneurysms at or more than 4 mm but is less accurate for those less than 4 mm. Our purpose was to determine the accuracy of 64-section MSCTA (64MSCTA) in aneurysm detection versus combined digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and 3D rotational angiography (3DRA).
American Journal of Neuroradiology 29:456-457, March 2008
We present a case of increased fluid-attenuated inversion recovery signal intensity in the subarachnoid spaces on 6-hour delayed enhanced MR imaging in a patient with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) in the setting of acute hypertensive encephalopathy. This hyperintensity was believed due to CSF gadolinium enhancement, a finding that would be anticipated in light of the suspected pathogenesis of increased microvascular permeability in PRES.
American Journal of Neuroradiology 29:588-593, March 2008
Endovascular coil embolization is used increasingly to treat cerebral aneurysms. The purpose of our study was to quantify the incidence of CT-detectable abnormalities after aneurysm coiling and map the radiographic and clinical progression.
American Journal of Neuroradiology 29:447-455, March 2008
The cause of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is unknown. Two primary hypotheses exist: 1) hypertension exceeding auto-regulatory limits leading to forced hyper-perfusion and 2) vasoconstriction and hypo-perfusion leading to ischemia with resultant edema. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the catheter angiography (CA), MR angiography (MRA), and MR perfusion (MRP) features in PRES in order to render further insight into its mechanism of origin.
American Journal of Neuroradiology 29:536-541, March 2008
Skull base defects can result in CSF leaks, with meningitis as a potential complication. Surgeons are now routinely repairing these leaks via a nasal endoscopic approach. Accurate preoperative imaging is essential for surgical planning.
American Journal of Neuroradiology 29:528-535, March 2008
Functional MR imaging (fMRI) is used to determine preoperatively the laterality of cortical language representation along with the relationship of language areas to adjacent brain tumors.
American Journal of Neuroradiology 29:476-482, March 2008
MR imaging-based apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and regional cerebral blood volume
(rCBV) measurements have been related respectively to both cell and microvessel density in brain tumors.
American Journal of Neuroradiology 29:494-500, March 2008
A cavernous angioma is a developmental vascular malformation with a high risk of hemorrhage. The purpose of this work was to retrospectively determine whether an MR sign of T1 hyperintense perilesional signal intensity is useful for the differentiation of cavernous angioma from other hemorrhagic cerebral masses.
The potential role of music in neurological rehabilitation, however, has not been systematically investigated. This single-blind, randomized, and controlled trial was designed to determine whether everyday music listening can facilitate the recovery of cognitive functions and mood after stroke.
Transient visual-evoked potentials (VEPs) were recorded in 11 patients with right brain damage and spatial neglect. High-resolution EEG was recorded using focal stimuli located in the four visual quadrants.
The basal ganglia (BG) are thought to play a key role in learning from feedback, with mesencephalic dopamine neurons coding errors in reward prediction, thereby mediating information processing in the BG and the prefrontal cortex.
We screened 50 glioblastomas for P53 mutations. Five glioblastomas showed heterozygous mutations, while three were putatively heterozygous. Six of these eight glioblastomas showed elimination of wild-type P53 mRNA.
Genetic loss of TSC1/TSC2 function in tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) results in overactivation of the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 pathway, leading to cellular dysplasia. We hypothesized that the dysplastic cells in TSC tubers are heterogeneous, including separable classes on a neuronal-glial spectrum, and that these dysplastic cells express glutamate receptor (GluR) patterns consistent with increased cortical network excitability.
Current Opinion in Neurology. 21(2):173-178, April 2008
Mesial temporal lobe epilepsy is the most common indication for epilepsy surgery, yet little is known about its 'natural' history from initial onset. The review considers the available evidence and gaps in our current knowledge of the subject.
Current Opinion in Neurology. 21(2):155-160, April 2008
While epilepsy describes a heterogeneous array of syndromes, the conventional view is that there is a common underlying failure in the ability of GABAergic inhibition to overcome excessive synaptic excitation. This review explores the possibility that enhanced GABAergic inhibition in the neocortex could also be proepileptogenic.
Current Opinion in Neurology. 21(2):150-154, April 2008
Since the antiquities, the history of epilepsy has been characterized by ignorance and human suffering. People with epilepsy have benefited substantially from results of modern basic and clinical research; however, serious challenges remain. Two programs begun in the past decade offer the promise of even greater progress in the future.
Current Opinion in Neurology. 21(2):184-189, April 2008
Complementary and alternative medical therapies include herbs, acupuncture, and mind-body therapies. This review highlights the findings of recently published studies of complementary and alternative medical therapies and epilepsy, and provides an update of the US Food and Drug Administration's role in regulating herbal products.
Current Opinion in Neurology. 21(2):161-166, April 2008
The aim of this article is to review new epilepsy syndromes, acquire a new understanding of older ones and emphasize the impact of this concept on basic research regarding aetiology and treatment.
Current Opinion in Neurology. 21(2):190-194, April 2008
The recent significant increase in research on depressive disorders in epilepsy has led to a greater recognition of its negative impact on multiple aspects of these patients' lives. Thus, a review of this topic could not be timelier.
Neurosurgical Focus March 2008 Volume 24, Number 3-4
The use of stem cell transplantation to restore neurological function after stroke is being recognized as a potential novel therapy. Before stem cell transplantation can become widely applicable, however, questions remain about the optimal site of delivery and timing of transplantation.
Bone loss post-stroke can lead to an increased risk of fracture. Fractures compound the effects of a stroke, resulting in greater dependency for the individual and an increased burden for health and social care.
The most common adult primary brain tumor is glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Current treatment is surgical resection, adjuvant radiation and chemotherapy, which can extend the median survival 20-36 weeks (Mansky et al. Central nervous system tumors.
Telemedicine and e-Health. February 1, 2008, 14(1): 76-83. doi:10.1089/tmj.2007.0019
Step counting is an important index of motion in telemonitoring. One of the most diffused wearable systems, designed for this purpose, is the pedometer.
Pediatric Critical Care Medicine. 9(2):141-146, March 2008
Measurements and Main Results: The pre-PG group (before August 1, 2003) included 375 patients and the post-PG group included 89 patients. Post PG guidelines, there was a trend toward earlier (45 vs. 32 mins; p = .05) and more frequent (7.1 vs. 8.4 samples; p = .06) Paco2 sampling within 48 hrs of admission.
The purpose of our study was to evaluate the outcomes of neurosurgical and endovascular treatment of ruptured intracranial aneurysms over a lifetime, based on the results of the International Subarachnoid Aneurysm Trial.
Clinical Endocrinology, Volume 68, Number 4, April 2008 , pp. 573-579(7)
It has been recently demonstrated that traumatic brain injury (TBI)-mediated hypopituitarism could be more frequent than previously known. However, most of the previous data were obtained from retrospective studies, and the natural history of the hypopituitarism due to TBI is still unclear.
Increased MYCN gene copy number is a characteristic property of neurogenic tumors. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and array-based comparative genomic hybridization (array-CGH) are traditionally used to determine MYCN amplification for tumor stratification.
International Journal of Cancer Volume 122, Issue 10 , Pages 2187 - 2198
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors are the most promising anti-angiogenic agents used increasingly in the clinic. However, to be efficient, anti-VEGF agents need to be associated with classic chemotherapy.
Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention 17, 661-665, March 1, 2008
Arylamine N-acetyltransferase-2 (NAT2) displays extensive genetic polymorphisms that affect the rates of acetylation of drugs and toxic compounds such as amine carcinogens. The association of NAT2 polymorphisms with adult brain tumors has been unclear.
Automatic segmentation of brain tissue on magnetic resonance images remains a challenge due to variations in brain shape and size, use of different pulse sequences, overlapping signal intensities, and imaging artifacts.
PEDIATRICS Vol. 121 No. 3 March 2008, pp. e416-e420
The aim of the present study was to investigate the importance of routine head circumference measurements in the detection of intracranial expansive conditions, because only fragmented evidence exists in favor of this routine.
European Journal of Emergency Medicine. 15(1):51, February 2008
We describe a case of epileptic seizures after a massive intake of diet coke. Apart from the hyponatremia due to water intoxication the convulsions can be potentiated by the high dose of caffeine and aspartame from the diet coke. To our knowledge this is the first report of seizures due to excessive diet coke intake.
Epilepsy Research Volume 79, Issue 1, Pages 90-96 (March 2008)
We describe nine consecutive patients with diagnosis of benign focal epileptic seizures of adolescence (BFSA), who experienced an ictal sensation of impending danger.
Epilepsy Research Volume 79, Issue 1, Pages 84-89 (March 2008)
Non-epileptic attack disorder (NEAD) poses a significant clinical problem but is poorly understood. Attachment theory provides a framework for understanding the development and maintenance of NEAD and the contribution of childhood abuse and neglect to these processes.
Epilepsy Research Volume 79, Issue 1, Pages 71-77 (March 2008)
Epileptic seizures in diabetic hyperglycemia (DH) patients are not uncommon in clinical practice. Although there have been reports suggesting an association, most were limited case studies. The role of DH in the severity and recurrence of epileptic seizures remains unclear.
Epilepsy research Volume 79, Issue 1, Pages 55-62 (March 2008)
Interictal activity from epileptic foci may have remote effects as demonstrable by assessing brain perfusion, metabolism and excitability. So far, the effect of surgical removal of the epileptic focus on cortical networks has only rarely been addressed. This study aims at an assessment of changes in intracortical inhibition and excitability in patients undergoing successful epilepsy surgery.
Epilepsy research Volume 79, Issue 1, Pages 49-54 (March 2008)
Impaired cardiac autonomic function may contribute to the risk of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy. Heart rate variability
(HRV) is a useful tool for the detection of sympathetic–parasympathetic balance of autonomic nervous system. In the present study, epilepsy patients who had never received antiepileptic medication and those whose seizures have been successfully controlled with antiepileptic drugs were compared with each other and a control group in order to investigate the effects of epilepsy and various antiepileptic drugs on
HRV.
Epilepsy Research Volume 79, Issue 1, Pages 39-48 (March 2008)
To investigate pathophysiological factors underlying the presence of interictal hyperperfusion within the limits of the polymicrogyric (PMG) cortex in epileptic patients.
Epilepsy Research Volume 79, Issue 1, Pages 31-38 (March 2008)
Benign epilepsy of childhood with centrotemporal spikes (BECTS) is the most common form of idiopathic partial epilepsy in children from 3 to 12 years old. Little and far from conclusive information is available on its chronic impact on the organization of higher cognitive functions during development.
Epilepsy research Volume 79, Issue 1, Pages 22-30 (March 2008)
To evaluate the effect of age on the disposition of two different oral formulations of carisbamate (RWJ-333369), a novel neuromodulator under investigation.
Epilepsy Research Volume 79, Issue 1, Pages 14-21 (March 2008)
Cyclooxygenases (COXs) are rate-limiting enzymes in the metabolic pathways in which arachidonic acid is converted to prostaglandins. COX-2 is the isoform induced at injury/inflammation sites and expressed constitutively in a few tissues, such as the central nervous system, and plays a role in neurodegenerative diseases associated with increased excitatory activity.
Epilepsy Research Volume 79, Issue 1, Pages 6-13 (March 2008)
Disruptions in GABAergic neurotransmission have been implicated in numerous CNS disorders, including epilepsy and neuropathic pain. Selective inhibition of neuronal and glial GABA transporter subtypes may offer unique therapeutic options for regaining balance between inhibitory and excitatory systems.
Epilepsy Research Volume 79, Issue 1, Pages 1-5 (March 2008)
Benign familial neonatal convulsions (BFNC, also named benign familial neonatal seizures, BFNS) is a rare autosomal dominant inherited epilepsy syndrome with clinical and genetic heterogeneity.
Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases Volume 17, Issue 2, Pages 101-108 (March 2008)
Narrowing of the poststenotic internal carotid artery (ICA) has been found to be associated with reduced risk of ipsilateral stroke. A paradoxical mechanism has been hypothesized to explain this finding: narrowing of the distal-normal (reference) ICA is associated with low blood flow rates (Q) in the stenotic ICA, and lower Q causes lower risk of ipsilateral stroke, perhaps by an associated reduction in mechanical stress on the atherosclerotic plaque.
Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases Volume 17, Issue 2, Pages 95-100 (March 2008)
We sought to study the efficacy and complications of local thrombolysis using urokinase in cases of cortical vein thrombosis unresponsive to conventional heparin therapy.
Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases Volume 17, Issue 2, Pages 86-94 (March 2008)
Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) are at risk for Helicobacter pylori infection. This infection has been linked to atherosclerosis and its vascular complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the: (1) prevalence of H pylori infection in patients with DM; (2) association between diabetic vascular complications and H pylori infection; and (3) influence of H pylori infection on atherosclerosis and inflammatory biomarkers.
Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases Volume 17, Issue 2, Pages 82-85 (March 2008)
Development in stroke care during the past two decades has greatly reduced mortality and dependence in many developed countries. However, we still lack information about baseline characteristics of patients with ischemic stroke in Thailand, especially in suburban areas.
Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases Volume 17, Issue 2, Pages 64-68 (March 2008)
We sought to evaluate arterial recanalization as measured by changes in the presence of hyperdense artery sign (HAS) on initial and 24-hour computed tomography scans in patients treated with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) or placebo, and to assess the effect of rt-PA on patient outcomes in this population.
Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases Volume 17, Issue 2, Pages 58-63 (March 2008)
Multiple sources document a higher proportion of intraparenchymal hemorrhage (HEM) in Hispanic (HIS) than white (WHI) patients with stroke. We sought an explanation for this phenomenon through analysis of multiple variables in our hospital-based stroke population.
Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases Volume 17, Issue 2, Pages 55-57 (March 2008)
Mortality of 40% to 86% and good outcomes in only 13% to 21% of patients beg for treatment options for basilar occlusion. This study determined outcomes of patients with vertebrobasilar occlusion treated with mechanical embolus removal in cerebral ischemia (MERCI) retriever mechanical thrombectomy.
Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases Volume 17, Issue 2, Pages 49-54 (March 2008)
Patients with diagnosis of cerebral venous thrombosis were identified by International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision coding system at 10 centers in the United States during a 10-year period by retrospective chart review (1991-1997) or prospective enrollment (1997-2001). In all, 232 patients were screened for study inclusion and 182 of these patients were included in the study.
Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases Volume 17, Issue 2, Pages 47-48 (March 2008)
In the 1950s, cerebral vascular disease (CVD) was the common term used to describe disorders of the cerebral circulation. The clinical entity was usually referred to as a stroke. Although not as popular as stroke, the term cerebral vascular accident (CVA) also was sometimes used to describe the clinical event; however, some felt uneasy about the implications of describing the event as an accident.
Inappropriate sexual behaviour (ISB) as a sequela of neurological impairment is often overlooked in comparison to other challenging behaviours such as agitation and aggression, yet the impact on patients and carers can be equally significant and pervasive. Inconsistencies in terminology and lack of standardised measurement tools for ISB limit the degree to which such behaviour can be objectively and consistently identified, reported and managed within and between services.
The present single case study describes the rehabilitation of an acquired impairment of multiplication fact retrieval. In addition to a conventional drill approach, one set of problems was preceded by auditory cues while the other half was not. After extensive repetition, non-specific improvements could be observed for all trained problems (e.g., 3 × 7) as well as for their non-trained complementary problems (e.g., 7 × 3). Beyond this general improvement, specific therapy effects were found for problems trained with auditory cues.
Twenty patients with impairments of face recognition, in the context of a broader pattern of cognitive deficits, were administered three new training procedures derived from contemporary theories of face processing to enhance their learning of new faces: semantic association (being given additional verbal information about the to-be-learned faces); caricaturing (presentation of caricatured versions of the faces during training and veridical versions at recognition testing); and part recognition (focusing patients on distinctive features during the training phase).
A trial of a procedure for the assessment of social problem-solving skills (the Social Problem-Solving Test; SPST), designed to assess 18 component skills distributed across five domains of functioning, is reported. A group of 48 persons with traumatic brain injury (TBI) observed seven videotaped scenarios involving a complex social interaction between two people.
To evaluate the use of the temporalis myofascial flap in primary cranial base reconstruction following surgical tumor ablation and to explain technical issues, potential complications, and donor site consequences along with their management.
Objective and Importance: Fibrous dysplasia is a benign skeletal condition which can involve the craniofacial skeleton. Surgery is indicated for correction of deformity and neurovascular decompression.
The most common cerebellopontine angle (CPA) tumor is a vestibular schwannoma, but one in five CPA tumors are not vestibular schwannomas. These tumors may require different management strategies.
To present the long-term results of a group of patients who underwent surgery for intradural jugular paragangliomas. We discuss the complications, sequelae, and evolution of recurrences and behavior of residual tumors.
Intracranial enterogenous cysts are rare. There have been only two cases reported of such cysts that extended into both the infratentorial and supratentorial compartments.
Although hearing improvement after surgery for small tumors of the cerebellopontine angle has been reported, the mechanism by which surgery leads to the improvement in hearing remains controversial.
In this retrospective review of prospectively collected data, we report outcomes for patients with anterior communicating artery (ACoA) aneurysms treated via the orbitopterional approach and discuss the potential impact in patient outcomes by the reduction of surgery-induced brain damage.
Journal of Neuropathology & Experimental Neurology. 67(3):223-230, March 2008
Acute brain injury is associated with induction of hepatic chemokine expression, which is an essential element in the subsequent recruitment of leukocytes to the damaged brain. To further understand the significance of the hepatic inflammatory response, we focused on nuclear factor (NF)-[kappa]B, a pivotal regulator of inflammation. Nondestructive real-time whole-body imaging was undertaken in the 3XNF-[kappa]B-luciferase mouse to monitor NF-[kappa]B activation.
Journal of Neuropathology & Experimental Neurology. 67(3):240-249, March 2008
There are few pathologic studies of gliomas in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1. We analyzed clinical and pathologic features of gliomas from 100 neurofibromatosis type 1 patients (57 men; 43 women).
Status epilepticus (SE) is a common neurological emergency with high morbidity and mortality. There is no study that has been conducted among Ethiopian patients with SE. The purpose of this study was to analyze clinical presentation, causes, complications, outcomes, and predictors of mortality.
Focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) is thought to be an important cause of intractable epilepsy. However, its epileptogenicity remains unclear. Therefore, we created a novel rat model by freeze lesioning during the late embryonic stage to verify whether FCD influences seizure activities.
A 12-year-old girl was seen in our hospital and diagnosed with diffuse pontine glioma. Treatment with radiotherapy was suggested, but the parents rejected this plan and took the child to another hospital where partial resection of the tumor was performed. The histological diagnosis was anaplastic astrocytoma.
The aim of the study was the assessment of head injury caused by cricket ball injury in children. In underdeveloped countries, this is particularly important due to the absence of safety precautions. The study was undertaken to increase the public awareness of the need to reduce the morbidity related to this sport.
We examine comprehension skill differences in the processes of word-to-text integration, the connection of the meaning of a word, as it is read, to a representation of the text. We review two on-line integration studies using event related potentials (ERPs) to provide fine-grain temporal data on the word-to-text processes of adult readers.
Phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) is mutated or lost in 60% to 70% of advanced gliomas and is associated with malignant phenotypic changes such as migration, which contribute to the morbidity and mortality of this disease.
Lymphotoxin alpha (LTA), one of the tumor necrosis factor family proteins, is an important proinflammatory cytokine and appears to play a putative role in the inflammatory process of atherosclerosis.
We aimed to identify the rate of major neurologic improvement (MNI) at 24 h following endovascular recanalization therapy (ERT) for acute ischemic stroke and its association with short-term outcome.
When reporting stroke survival and prognostic factors with a possible effect on outcome, the starting point for the observation of a clinical cohort usually is the onset of stroke or the acute admission of a patient. Thus, acute and early mortality inflict prognosis on long-term outcome. In order to give a more robust analysis of long-term survival after the acute period we chose to start our observation with 3-month survivors.
Small-vessel cerebrovascular disease and vascular cognitive impairment are more prevalent in hypertensive subjects of black African origin compared with Caucasians, but the relationships between blood pressure (BP), regional white matter damage and neuropsychological function have not been studied in well-characterised samples of subjects belonging to different ethnicities.
With routine use of non-invasive methods to assess the internal carotid artery, it becomes increasingly important to clarify the diagnostic accuracy of transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasound and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) compared with intra-arterial digital subtraction angiography (iaDSA) for the detection of collateral flow via the major intracerebral collateral branches.
Increasing the public's awareness of stroke is a public health priority. Our objective was to assess changes in the public's knowledge of stroke risk factors and warning signs in Michigan during a 5-year period characterized by a sustained statewide public education effort. Methods: Questions regarding knowledge of stroke risk factors and warning signs w
Molecular Cancer Research 6, 407-417, March 1, 2008
We present here a suicide therapy against malignant gliomas based on the transfer to tumor cells of a gene encoding a beta-glucosidase, linamarase (lis), which in the presence of the innocuous substrate linamarin (lin) produces cyanide, blocking the mitochondrial respiratory chain.
Surgical Practice, Volume 12, Number 1, February 2008 , pp. 11-15(5)
After carotid endarterectomy (CEA) or carotid angioplasty and stenting (CAS) for patients with severe carotid stenosis, an ischaemic event may still happen in up to 9% of patients over a 2-year period. We aimed to investigate whether baseline cerebrovascular reactivity could predict a subsequent ischaemic event after intervention.
Pediatrics International Volume 50 Issue 1 Page 35-39, February 2008
Convulsive status epilepticus (CSE) may end fatally or leave serious sequelae. CSE treatment, invariably an emergency case, is based upon i.v. benzodiazepines as well as phenytoin, barbiturates or both. The present paper reports efficiency of lidocaine in CSE.
Cannabinoids, the active components of Cannabis sativa L. and their derivatives, inhibit tumor growth in laboratory animals by inducing apoptosis of tumor cells and impairing tumor angiogenesis. It has also been reported that these compounds inhibit tumor cell spreading, but the molecular targets of this cannabinoid action remain elusive. Here, we evaluated the effect of cannabinoids on matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression and its effect on tumor cell invasion.
Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand Vol91 No.3 388 5689
Patients who survive a stroke usually have residual neurological deficits. Consequently, a rehabilitation program is valuable for improving their quality of life (QOL). However, age is a known factor that needs qualification vis-Ã -vis rehabilitation outcomes among Thai patients.
Gliomatosis cerebri(GC) is a highly aggressive, rare form of neuroepithelial tumor. Due to the diffuse nature of the tumor, its pathological grade is not conclusively established unless a biopsy is carried out from multiple sites.
To identify a novel type of tracheal stents for use in patients with high spinal cord injury. Patients with high spinal cord injury (above C4) frequently have significant respiratory impairment and may require long-term access to the trachea for respiratory support.
(1) To quantify intramyocellular lipid (IMCL) content of the soleus muscle. (2) To assess the T2 relaxation rates in the lower extremity skeletal muscles in persons with incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI).
Four recent studies report a genetic association of the paraoxonase locus with sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We tested the hypothesis that this association correlates with functional changes in paraoxonase 1 (PON1, MIM 168820).
The purpose of this study was to systematically analyze the associations between different TSC1 and TSC2 mutations and the neurologic and cognitive phenotype in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC).
Despite normal CT imaging and neurologic functioning, many individuals report postconcussion symptoms following mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI). This dissociation has been enigmatic for clinicians and investigators.
In the Leukoaraiosis and Disability (LADIS) Study, 11 European centers are evaluating the role of age-related white matter changes (ARWMC) as an independent determinant of the transition to disability in the elderly (65 to 84 years). We aimed at determining the influence of ARWMC on different objective measures of gait and balance.
British Journal of Neurosurgery, Volume 22, Issue 2 April 2008 , pages 207 - 212
This article presents the advances of three-dimensional (3D) virtual neuroendoscopy of the cranial nerves (CN) in the posterior fossa. Interactive 3D visualizations were generated and the anatomical landmarks, such as the root entry/exit zones (REZ) and cisternal segments of the CN were evaluated.
British Journal of Neurosurgery, Volume 22, Issue 2 April 2008 , pages 231 - 234
Tuberculum sellae meningiomas usually present optic pathway related symptoms, such as decreased visual acuity and/or visual field defect. In this report, the authors retrospectively analysed 27 patients with tuberculum sellae meningioma who underwent surgical treatment and then sought to identify prognostic factors of the postoperative visual outcomes.
British Journal of Neurosurgery, Volume 22, Issue 2 April 2008 , pages 295 - 297
A 27-year-old patient presented with severe headache and seizures about a month after the initial head trauma. Computed tomography (CT) brain scan revealed acute subdural bleed continuous into the interhemispheric region, with no subarachnoid haemorrhage. This was due to rupture of a traumatic pericallosal artery aneurysm. This represents a rare case of traumatic pericallosal artery aneurysm presenting with subdural haematoma without subarachnoid haemorrhage.
British Journal of Neurosurgery, Volume 22, Issue 2 April 2008 , pages 279 - 282
Chronic subdural haematoma (cSDH) is one of the most frequent neurosurgical entities. Current treatment options include burr hole craniostomy, twist drill craniostomy or craniotomy. While burr hole craniostomy is the most often used technique, there are no studies analysing the use of one vs. two burr holes in respect to recurrence rates and complications.
British Journal of Neurosurgery, Volume 22, Issue 2 April 2008 , pages 200 - 206
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) continues to be an important cause of mortality and morbidity, but its pathophysiology is no longer considered an instantaneous irreversible event occurring at the time of injury.
British Journal of Neurosurgery, Volume 22, Issue 2 April 2008 , pages 187 - 194
The pathogenesis of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is poorly understood. Several mechanisms have been suggested, but no one mechanism has been able to account for all manifestations of the disease. Although IIH predominantly affects obese, premenopausal women, little is known about whether or how the obesity contributes to the IIH.
British Journal of Neurosurgery, Volume 22, Issue 2 April 2008 , pages 303 - 304
We report an unusual presentation and successful treatment of an extracranial skull base carotid aneurysm. The patient presented with a combination of multiple cranial nerve dysfunction and local mass effect. After endovascular treatment of this rare condition her symptoms resolved. The radiological images submitted demonstrate this rare condition well.
British Journal of Neurosurgery, Volume 22, Issue 2 April 2008 , pages 275 - 278
A simple way of evaluating surgical outcomes is to compare mortality and morbidity. Such comparisons may be misleading without a proper case mix. The POSSUM scoring system was developed to overcome this problem.
British Journal of Neurosurgery, Volume 22, Issue 2 April 2008 , pages 257 - 268
Blood transfusions and intravenous fluids are commonly employed as rescue therapy for delayed cerebral ischaemia following aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH). We sought to determine effects of various fluid supplements on clinical outcome in patients following aSAH.
British Journal of Neurosurgery, Volume 22, Issue 2 April 2008 , pages 292 - 294
Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) is an uncommon clinical entity that is often diagnosed after a delay, or it is misdiagnosed due to the variety of clinical presentations and the associated radiological findings.
British Journal of Neurosurgery, Volume 22, Issue 2 April 2008 , pages 224 - 230
A common post-traumatic location of epileptogenesis is the medial temporal lobe despite evidence of associated diffuse or remote cerebral injury. We undertook a review of post-traumatic medial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) patients as part of an overall post-traumatic epilepsy population to assess the extent of cerebral injury sustained by this subpopulation and to establish whether surgical outcome differed from that of a non-traumatically-induced epilepsy population.
British Journal of Neurosurgery, Volume 22, Issue 2 April 2008 , pages 283 - 285
Spinal arachnoid cysts are a rare cause of spinal cord compression in children and presenting symptoms may be subtle. We present a neurologically intact 14-month-old boy who presented with pain and postural irritability from a thoracic arachnoid cyst.
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