Neurology Research This is an OPML file. It can be used to export all the MedWorm RSS feeds on this topic into your personal RSS reader (usually you have to save this file to your own computer before clicking on an Import OPML command in your own feed reader to upload the file which will then import all the feeds) or it can be used by webmasters to integrate MedWorm feeds with their own website. This is an RSS file. You can use it to subscribe to this data in your favourite RSS reader, such as GoogleReader, or to display this data on your own website or blog. Subscribe to this data using MyMedWorm.Subscribe to this data using GoogleReader.Subscribe to this data using Bloglines.Subscribe to this data using MyYahoo.

This page shows you the most recent publications within this specialty of the MedWorm directory. This is page number 9.

Triple a syndrome in Japan
Conclusions: The most consistent neurologic manifestation of Triple A syndrome in Japanese patients was progressive bulbospinal muscular atrophy with both upper and lower motor neuron involvement, which mimicked motor neuron disease, similar to patients reported in Western countries. The identification of the new patients suggests that more cases are undiagnosed in Japan. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Source: Muscle and Nerve - January 30, 2013 Category: Internal Medicine Authors: Masanori Ikeda, Makito Hirano, Keiich Shinoda, Noriyuki Katsumata, Daisuke Furutama, Katsuya Nakamura, Shu‐ichi Ikeda, Toshifumi Tanaka, Toshiaki Hanafusa, Hiroyuki Kitajima, Hitoshi Kohno, Mizuho Nakagawa, Yusaku Nakamura, Satoshi Ueno Tags: Regular Article Source Type: research

Mapping white matter integrity in elderly people with HIV
Abstract People with HIV are living longer as combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) becomes more widely available. However, even when plasma viral load is reduced to untraceable levels, chronic HIV infection is associated with neurological deficits and brain atrophy beyond that of normal aging. HIV is often marked by cortical and subcortical atrophy, but the integrity of the brain's white matter (WM) pathways also progressively declines. Few studies focus on older cohorts where normal aging may be compounded with HIV infection to influence deficit patterns. In this relatively large diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) study,...
Source: Human Brain Mapping - January 30, 2013 Category: Neurology Authors: Talia M. Nir, Neda Jahanshad, Edgar Busovaca, Lauren Wendelken, Krista Nicolas, Paul M. Thompson, Victor G. Valcour Tags: Research Article Source Type: research

Associations between T1 white matter lesion volume and regional white matter microstructure in aging
Abstract White matter lesions, typically manifesting as regions of signal intensity abnormality (WMSA) on MRI, increase in frequency with age. However, the role of this damage in cognitive decline and disease is still not clear, as lesion volume has only loosely been associated with clinical status. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) has been used to examine the quantitative microstructural integrity of white matter, and has applications in the examination of subtle changes to tissue that appear visually normal on conventional imaging. The primary goal of this study was to determine whether major macrostructural white matter d...
Source: Human Brain Mapping - January 30, 2013 Category: Neurology Authors: Elizabeth C. Leritz, Juli Shepel, Victoria J. Williams, Lewis A. Lipsitz, Regina E. McGlinchey, William P. Milberg, David H. Salat Tags: Research Article Source Type: research

Validation of the automated method VIENA: An accurate, precise, and robust measure of ventricular enlargement
Conclusion: VIENA is a robust, accurate, and precise method for measuring ventricular volume change. Hum Brain Mapp, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Source: Human Brain Mapping - January 30, 2013 Category: Neurology Authors: Hugo Vrenken, Eline K. Vos, W.M. van der Flier, Ingrid C. Sluimer, Keith S. Cover, Dirk L. Knol, Frederik Barkhof Tags: Technical Report Source Type: research

Spinal Cord Stimulation for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type I: A Prospective Cohort Study With Long‐Term Follow‐Up
ConclusionSCS provides an effective long‐term pain treatment for 63% (95%CI: 41–85) of implanted patients. Forty‐one percent (95%CI: 27–55) of SCS treated patients have at least 30% pain reduction at measurement end point. The number of reinterventions after implantation due to equipment‐related problems, battery changes, and complications is 122 over 12 years of follow‐up. Sixty‐one percent (N = 51) of the patients had at least one reintervention. Mean pain relief of at least 50% (visual analog scale) one week after the test stimulation is associated with long‐term treatment success.
Source: Neuromodulation - January 30, 2013 Category: Neurology Authors: José W. Geurts, Helwin Smits, Marius A. Kemler, Florian Brunner, Alfons G. H. Kessels, Maarten Kleef Tags: Case Series Source Type: research

Rechargeable vs. Nonrechargeable Internal Pulse Generators in the Management of Dystonia
ConclusionsRechargeable IPGs should be the IPGs of choice for dystonic patients receiving DBS as IPGs offer similar treatment efficacy to nonrechargeable IPGs with advantages in terms of costs and reductions in reimplantation frequency.
Source: Neuromodulation - January 30, 2013 Category: Neurology Authors: Martin J. Gillies, Carole Joint, Beth Forrow, Clare Fletcher, Alexander L. Green, Tipu Z. Aziz Tags: Retrospective Study Source Type: research

Anti-aging molecule, Sirt1: a novel therapeutic target for diabetic nephropathy.
Abstract Caloric restriction prolongs the lifespan of many species. Therefore, investigators have researched the usefulness of caloric restriction for healthy lifespan extension. Sirt1, an NAD(+)-dependent deacetylase, was identified as a molecule necessary for caloric restriction-related anti-aging strategies. Sirt1 functions as an intracellular energy sensor to detect the concentration of NAD(+), and controls in vivo metabolic changes under caloric restriction and starvation through its deacetylase activity to many targets including histones, nuclear transcriptional factors, and enzymes. During the past decade, i...
Source: Archives of Pharmacal Research - January 30, 2013 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Kume S, Kitada M, Kanasaki K, Maegawa H, Koya D Tags: Arch Pharm Res Source Type: research

All-Cause and Disease-specific Mortality and Morbidity in Patients With Congenital Hypothyroidism Treated Since the Neonatal Period: A National Population-based Study.
Conclusion:Prognosis has improved considerably, but a few patients diagnosed during the first 10 years of screening in France nonetheless displayed comorbidity and mortality due to various neurodevelopmental disorders and associated malformations. These results reveal a continuing need for improvements in care and studies to provide knowledge about the full spectrum of the disease and the mechanisms underlying these developmental abnormalities. PMID: 23365128 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism - January 30, 2013 Category: Endocrinology Authors: Azar-Kolakez A, Ecosse E, Dos Santos S, Léger J Tags: J Clin Endocrinol Metab Source Type: research

CX3CL1/CX3CR1 regulates nerve injury‐induced pain hypersensitivity through the ERK5 signaling pathway
Abstract Peripheral nerve injury induces the cleavage of CX3CL1 from the membrane of neurons, where the soluble CX3CL1 subsequently plays an important role in the transmission of nociceptive signals between neurons and microglia. Here we investigated whether CX3CL1 regulates microglia activation through the phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated protein kinase 5 (ERK5) in the spinal cord of rats with spinal nerve ligation (SNL). ERK5 and microglia were activated in the spinal cord after SNL. The knockdown of ERK5 by intrathecal injection of antisense oligonucleotides suppressed the hyperalgesia and nuclear imp...
Source: Journal of Neuroscience Research - January 30, 2013 Category: Neuroscience Authors: Jian‐Liang Sun, Chun Xiao, Bo Lu, Juan Zhang, Xiao‐zong Yuan, Wei Chen, Li‐Na Yu, Feng‐Jiang Zhang, Gang Chen, Min Yan Tags: Research Article Source Type: research

Effects of chronic caffeine intake in a mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Abstract Caffeine is a nonselective adenosine receptor antagonist; chronic consumption has proved protective toward neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. The present study was designed to determine whether caffeine intake affected survival and/or motor performance in a transgenic model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). SOD1G93A mice received caffeine through drinking water from 70 days of age until death. Body weight, motor performance and survival were evaluated. Furthermore, the expression of adenosine A2A receptors (A2ARs), glial glutamate transporter (GLT1), and glial fibrillar ...
Source: Journal of Neuroscience Research - January 30, 2013 Category: Neuroscience Authors: Rosa Luisa Potenza, Monica Armida, Antonella Ferrante, Antonella Pèzzola, Alessandra Matteucci, Maria Puopolo, Patrizia Popoli Tags: Research Article Source Type: research

A novel neurofibromin (NF1) interaction with the leucine‐rich pentatricopeptide repeat motif‐containing protein links neurofibromatosis type 1 and the french canadian variant of leigh's syndrome in a common molecular complex
Abstract Loss‐of‐function mutations and deletions in the neurofibromin tumor suppressor gene (NF1) cause neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF‐1), the most common inherited syndrome of the nervous system in humans, with a birth incidence of 1:3,000. The most visible features of NF‐1 are the neoplastic manifestations caused by the loss of Ras‐GTPase‐activating protein (Ras‐GAP) activity mediated through the GAP‐related domain (GRD) of neurofibromin (NF1), the protein encoded by NF1. However, the syndrome is also characterized by cognitive dysfunction and a number of developmental abnormalities. The molecular etiology...
Source: Journal of Neuroscience Research - January 30, 2013 Category: Neuroscience Authors: Vedant Arun, Joseph C. Wiley, Harpreet Kaur, David R. Kaplan, Abhijit Guha Tags: Research Article Source Type: research

Common trace elements alleviate pain in an experimental mouse model
In this study, we tested the hypothesis that three vital trace elements (Zn2+, Mg2+, Cu2+) have direct antinociceptive effects. Groups of eight Swiss mice were intraperitoneally (i.p) injected with incremental concentrations of Zn2+ sulfate (0.5, 2.0 mg/kg), Zn2+ citrate (0.125, 0.5 mg/kg), Mg2+ chloride (37.5, 75, 150 mg/kg), Cu2+ chloride (0.5, 1.0, 2.0 mg/kg), and Cu2+ sulfate (0.5, 1.0 mg/kg) or saline (control). Evaluations were made by hot plate (HP) and tail flick (TF) tests for central antinociceptive effect, writhing test (WT) for visceral antinociceptive effect, and activity cage (AC) test for spontaneous behavio...
Source: Journal of Neuroscience Research - January 30, 2013 Category: Neuroscience Authors: Bogdan I. Tamba, Maria‐Magdalena Leon, Tudor Petreus Tags: Research Article Source Type: research

Cerebral and Somatic Oxygen Saturations After Repair of Tetralogy of Fallot: Effects of Extubation on Regional Blood Flow [ORIGINAL ARTICLES: CONGENITAL HEART SURGERY]
Conclusions Cardiac output and cerebral oxygenation increased significantly during spontaneous respiration, the latter suggesting that the brain was in or approaching an oxygen supply-dependent state before extubation. Despite the increase in cardiac output, the presumed increase in respiratory pump perfusion, as well as the concurrent increase in cerebral perfusion, came at the expense of mesenteric perfusion. Renal oxygenation remained unchanged with extubation.
Source: The Annals of Thoracic Surgery - January 30, 2013 Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Authors: Bronicki, R. A., Checchia, P. A., Anas, N. G., Adams, G. J., Penny, D. J., Bleiweis, M. S., Shekerdemian, L. S. Tags: Cardiac - physiology ORIGINAL ARTICLES: CONGENITAL HEART SURGERY Source Type: research

Neurodevelopmental Outcomes After Regional Cerebral Perfusion With Neuromonitoring for Neonatal Aortic Arch Reconstruction [ORIGINAL ARTICLES: CONGENITAL HEART SURGERY]
Conclusions Neonatal aortic arch repair with RCP using a neuromonitoring strategy results in 12-month cognitive outcomes that are at reference population norms. Language and motor outcomes are lower than the reference population norms by 0.8 to 0.9 standard deviations. The neurodevelopmental outcomes in this RCP cohort demonstrate that this technique is effective and safe in supporting the brain during neonatal aortic arch reconstruction.
Source: The Annals of Thoracic Surgery - January 30, 2013 Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Authors: Andropoulos, D. B., Easley, R. B., Brady, K., McKenzie, E. D., Heinle, J. S., Dickerson, H. A., Shekerdemian, L. S., Meador, M., Eisenman, C., Hunter, J. V., Turcich, M., Voigt, R. G., Fraser, C. D. Tags: Congenital - cyanotic ORIGINAL ARTICLES: CONGENITAL HEART SURGERY Source Type: research

The Role of Head Computed Tomography Imaging in the Evaluation of Postoperative Neurologic Deficits in Cardiac Surgery Patients [ORIGINAL ARTICLES: ADULT CARDIAC]
Conclusions This study reviewed the utility of early postoperative noncontrast head CT in cardiac surgery patients. With focal neurologic deficits, this imaging modality was positive for approximately one third of patients, but rarely positive for NFD. Its use in this setting has limited utility.
Source: The Annals of Thoracic Surgery - January 30, 2013 Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Authors: Beaty, C. A., Arnaoutakis, G. J., Grega, M. A., Robinson, C. W., George, T. J., Baumgartner, W. A., Gottesman, R. F., McKhann, G. M., Cameron, D. E., Whitman, G. J. Tags: Cardiac - other ORIGINAL ARTICLES: ADULT CARDIAC Source Type: research

Expression of Acetylcholine and Its Receptor in Human Sympathetic Ganglia in Primary Hyperhidrosis [ORIGINAL ARTICLES: GENERAL THORACIC]
Conclusions There is a higher expression of acetylcholine and alpha-7 neuronal nicotinic receptor subunit in the sympathetic ganglia of patients with hyperhidrosis. Furthermore, the diameter of the thoracic sympathetic chain ganglia is larger in such patients.
Source: The Annals of Thoracic Surgery - January 30, 2013 Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Authors: de Moura Junior, N. B., das-Neves-Pereira, J. C., de Oliveira, F. R. G., Jatene, F. B., Parra, E. R., Capelozzi, V. L., Wolosker, N., de Campos, J. R. M. Tags: Mediastinum ORIGINAL ARTICLES: GENERAL THORACIC Source Type: research

Posterior Mediastinal Malignant Lymphoma Mimicking a Neurogenic Tumor [IMAGES IN CARDIOTHORACIC SURGERY]
Source: The Annals of Thoracic Surgery - January 30, 2013 Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Authors: Ohtaki, Y., Shimizu, K., Nagashima, T., Nakano, T., Takeyoshi, I. Tags: Mediastinum IMAGES IN CARDIOTHORACIC SURGERY Source Type: research

Endotracheobronchial Neurofibroma Treated by Right Carinal Pneumonectomy [CASE REPORTS]
We report the case of a 42-year-old woman who came to our hospital with severe shortness of breath. Right sleeve pneumonectomy was performed, and neurofibroma was confirmed by pathologic examination. In a search of the world literature, 28 cases of endotracheobronchial neurofibromas were found. The literature is reviewed.
Source: The Annals of Thoracic Surgery - January 30, 2013 Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Authors: Feng, J., Mao, T., Zhao, Y., Chen, W., Wu, J., Fang, W. Tags: Trachea and bronchi CASE REPORTS Source Type: research

Initial Assessment of the Pathogenic Mechanisms of the Recently Identified Alzheimer Risk Loci
Summary Recent genome wide association studies have identified CLU, CR1, ABCA7 BIN1, PICALM and MS4A6A/MS4A6E in addition to the long established APOE, as loci for Alzheimer's disease. We have systematically examined each of these loci to assess whether common coding variability contributes to the risk of disease. We have also assessed the regional expression of all the genes in the brain and whether there is evidence of an eQTL explaining the risk. In agreement with other studies we find that coding variability may explain the ABCA7 association, but common coding variability does not explain any of the other loci. We were...
Source: Annals of Human Genetics - January 30, 2013 Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Authors: Patrick Holton, Mina Ryten, Michael Nalls, Daniah Trabzuni, Michael E. Weale, Dena Hernandez, Helen Crehan, J. Raphael Gibbs, Richard Mayeux, Jonathan L. Haines, Lindsay A. Farrer, Margaret A. Pericak‐Vance, Gerard D. Schellenberg, , Manuel Ramirez‐Re Tags: Regular manuscript Source Type: research

tmc-1 encodes a sodium-sensitive channel required for salt chemosensation in C. elegans
Nature advance online publication 30 January 2013. doi:10.1038/nature11845 Authors: Marios Chatzigeorgiou, Sangsu Bang, Sun Wook Hwang & William R. Schafer Transmembrane channel-like (TMC) genes encode a broadly conserved family of multipass integral membrane proteins in animals. Human TMC1 and TMC2 genes are linked to human deafness and required for hair-cell mechanotransduction; however, the molecular functions of these and other TMC proteins have not been determined. Here we show that the Caenorhabditis elegans tmc-1 gene encodes a sodium sensor that functions specifically in salt taste chemosensation. tmc-1 is exp...
Source: Nature AOP - January 30, 2013 Category: Research Authors: Marios ChatzigeorgiouSangsu BangSun Wook HwangWilliam R. Schafer Tags: Letter Source Type: research

Neuroscience: Salty sensations
Nature advance online publication 30 January 2013. doi:10.1038/nature11946 Authors: Bertrand Coste & Ardem Patapoutian Salt is important in health and disease, yet how mammals sense it is not completely clear. Evidence in worms suggests that TMC proteins, which are implicated in human hearing, are salt receptors involved in taste.
Source: Nature AOP - January 30, 2013 Category: Research Authors: Bertrand CosteArdem Patapoutian Tags: News & Views Source Type: research

Genetic identification of C fibres that detect massage-like stroking of hairy skin in vivo
J. Anderson Stroking of the skin produces pleasant sensations that can occur during social interactions with conspecifics, such as grooming. Despite numerous physiological studies (reviewed in ref. 2), molecularly defined sensory neurons that detect pleasant stroking of hairy skinin vivo have not been reported. Previously, we identified a rare population of unmyelinated sensory neurons in mice that express the G-protein-coupled receptor MRGPRB4 (refs 5, 6). These neurons exclusively innervate hairy skin with large terminal arborizations that resemble the receptive fields of C-tactile (CT) afferents in humans. Unlike ...
Source: Nature - January 30, 2013 Category: Research Authors: Sophia VrontouAllan M. WongKristofer K. RauH. Richard KoerberDavid J. Anderson Tags: Letter Source Type: research

Neuroscience: Old age, bad sleep, poor memory
Nature 493, 7434 (2013). doi:10.1038/493581b The gradual loss of cells in the brain's cortex could be decreasing sleep quality in older adults, leading to poorer long-term memory.Bryce Mander and Matthew Walker at the University of California, Berkeley, and their group asked healthy adults to memorize a list of words,
Source: Nature - January 30, 2013 Category: Research Tags: Research Highlights Source Type: research

Self-triggered assistive stimulus training improves step initiation in persons with Parkinson's disease
Conclusions: The acute sensitivity to the quickness-enhancing effects of stimulus exposure demonstrated in previous studies was supplanted by improved force modulation following prolonged stimulus exposure. The results suggest a potential approach to reduce the severity of start hesitation in PDs, but further study is needed to understand the relationship between short- and long-term effects of stimulus exposure.
Source: Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation - January 30, 2013 Category: Rehabilitation Authors: Robert CreathMichelle PrettymanLisa ShulmanMarjorie HilliardKatherine MartinezColum MacKinnonMarie-Laure MilleTanya SimuniJane ZhangMark Rogers Source Type: research

The Effect of Temporal and Spatial Stimuli on the Refractive Status of Guinea Pigs Following Natural Emmetropization [Visual Neuroscience]
Conclusions. Guinea pigs require both spatial and temporal stimuli to maintain stable refractions. The influence of temporal stimuli on refraction varies with the type and amount of spatial information available in the visual environment.
Source: Investigative Ophthalmology - January 30, 2013 Category: Opthalmology Authors: Zhi, Z., Pan, M., Xie, R., Xiong, S., Zhou, X., Qu, J. Tags: Visual Neuroscience Source Type: research

The Aging Eye: Common Degenerative Mechanisms Between the Alzheimer's Brain and Retinal Disease [Review]
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a common, incurable, and progressive dementia, characterized by loss of learning and memory and the neuropathologic accumulation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. A number of similarities between AD pathology and several distinct retinal degenerations have been described, particularly with respect to either glaucoma or age-related macular degeneration (AMD), each a leading cause of vision loss and blindness worldwide. Although comparisons between these diseases may provide important new insights into their pathogenic mechanisms, glaucoma and AMD result in markedly diff...
Source: Investigative Ophthalmology - January 30, 2013 Category: Opthalmology Authors: Sivak, J. M. Tags: Review Source Type: research

The Effects of Age and Cx3cr1 Deficiency on Retinal Microglia in the Ins2Akita Diabetic Mouse [Immunology and Microbiology]
Conclusions. These data showed that changes to murine retinal microglia occur in response to systemic diabetic status in the absence of overt retinopathy and inflammation. These changes are exaggerated in mice lacking Cx3cr1, suggesting fractalkine- Cx3cr1 interactions may have a role in early neuronal changes in preproliferative DR.
Source: Investigative Ophthalmology - January 30, 2013 Category: Opthalmology Authors: Kezic, J. M., Chen, X., Rakoczy, E. P., McMenamin, P. G. Tags: Immunology and Microbiology Source Type: research

Neurovascular Dysfunction Precedes Neural Dysfunction in the Retina of Patients with Type 1 Diabetes [Clinical Trials]
Conclusions. The study confirms that flicker responses are reduced early in patients with type 1 diabetes. This is seen before alterations in pattern ERG indicating abnormal neurovascular coupling. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00712842.)
Source: Investigative Ophthalmology - January 30, 2013 Category: Opthalmology Authors: Lasta, M., Pemp, B., Schmidl, D., Boltz, A., Kaya, S., Palkovits, S., Werkmeister, R., Howorka, K., Popa-Cherecheanu, A., Garhofer, G., Schmetterer, L. Tags: Clinical Trials Source Type: research

Activation of microglial cells triggers a release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) inducing their proliferation in an adenosine A2A receptor-dependent manner: A2A receptor blockade prevents BDNF release and proliferation of microglia
Conclusions: We conclude that A2AR activation plays a mandatory role controlling the release of BDNF from activated microglia, as well as the autocrine/paracrine proliferative role of BDNF.
Source: Journal of Neuroinflammation - January 30, 2013 Category: Neurology Authors: Catarina GomesRaquel FerreiraJimmy GeorgeRui SanchesDiana RodriguesNélio GonçalvesRodrigo Cunha Source Type: research

Genistein, a natural product derived from soybeans, ameliorates polyglutamine‐mediated motor neuron disease
Abstract Spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA) is an inherited motor neuron disease caused by the expansion of a polyglutamine (polyQ) tract within the androgen receptor (AR) gene. The pathologic features of SBMA are motor neuron loss in the spinal cord and brainstem and diffuse nuclear accumulation and nuclear inclusions of mutant AR in residual motor neurons and certain visceral organs. AR‐associated coregulator 70 (ARA70) was the first co‐regulator of AR to be identified, and it has been shown to interact with AR and increase its protein stability. Here, we report that genistein, an isoflavone found in soy, disr...
Source: Journal of Neurochemistry - January 30, 2013 Category: Neurology Authors: Qiang Qiang, Hiroaki Adachi, Zhe Huang, Yue‐Mei Jiang, Masahisa Katsuno, Makoto Minamiyama, Hideki Doi, Shinjiro Matsumoto, Naohide Kondo, Yu Miyazaki, Madoka Iida, Genki Tohnai, Gen Sobue Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

Evaluating the effectiveness of reasoning training in military and civilian chronic traumatic brain injury patients: study protocol
DiscussionResults of this trial will determine whether cognitive rehabilitation aimed at teaching TBI-relevant information about the brain and cognition versus training in TBI-affected thinking abilities (e.g., memory, attention, and executive functioning) can improve outcomes in chronic military and civilian TBI patient populations. It should shed light on the nature of improvements and the characteristics of patients most likely to benefit. This trial will also provide information about the sustainability of treatment-related improvements 3 months post-training.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01552473
Source: Trials - January 30, 2013 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Daniel KrawczykCarlos PlataGuido SchauerAsha VasMolly KeeblerStephanie TuthillClaire GardnerTiffani JantzWeikei YuSandra Chapman Source Type: research

Quality assurance of radiotherapy in the ongoing EORTC 22042--26042 trial for atypical and malignant meningioma: results from the dummy runs and prospective individual case Reviews
Conclusions: A substantial number of protocol deviations were observed in this prospective QA study. The number of cases accrued per institution was a significant determinant for protocol deviation. These data suggest that successful DR is not a guarantee for protocol compliance for accrued patients. Prospective ICRs should be performed to prevent protocol deviations.
Source: Radiation Oncology - January 30, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Mehtap CoskunWilliam StraubeCoen HurkmansChristos MelidisPatricia de HaanSalvador VillàSandra ColletteDamien Weber Source Type: research

Shf, a novel adaptor protein, interacts with ALK receptor and negatively regulates its downstream signals in neuroblastoma
Abstract Our neuroblastoma cDNA project previously identified Src homology 2 domain containing F (Shf) as one of the genes which are expressed at high levels in favorable neuroblastoma. Shf is an adaptor protein containing four putative tyrosine phosphorylation sites and an SH2 domain. Here, we found that Shf interacted with anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), which is an oncogenic receptor tyrosine kinase in neuroblastoma. Real‐time PCR analysis showed that Shf mRNA is highly expressed in non‐metastatic neuroblastomas compared to metastatic tumor samples (p < 0.030, n = 106). Interestingly, patients showing high ALK ...
Source: Cancer Science - January 30, 2013 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Daisuke Takagi, Yasutoshi Tatsumi, Tomoki Yokochi, Atsushi Takatori, Miki Ohira, Takehiko Kamijo, Satoshi Kondo, Yoshitaka Fuj, Akira Nakagawara Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

Treatment for Neuropathic Pain in Patients with Cancer: Comparative Analysis of Recommendations in National Clinical Practice Guidelines from European Countries
ConclusionThe majority of guideline development groups extrapolated their results from non‐cancer publications to formulate recommendations. Consequently, these guidelines fail to address important issues such as altered kinetics and side effect profiles in these patients. We recommend creating specific recommendations by an international expert group for the treatment for neuropathic pain in patients with cancer supported by targeted research in patients with cancer.
Source: Pain Practice - January 30, 2013 Category: Anesthesiology Authors: Virginie Piano, Stans Verhagen, Annelies Schalkwijk, Yechiel Hekster, Hans Kress, Michel Lanteri‐Minet, Jako Burgers, Rolf‐Detlef Treede, Yvonne Engels, Kris Vissers Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

Extracellular matrix-associated gene expression in adult sensory neuron populations cultured on a laminin substrate
Conclusions: Our results show that 1B4+ and IB4- neurons differ in the expression of several genes that are associated with responsiveness to the ECM prior to culturing (AdamTs1, FN, Icam1, Lamb1, Plat, Plaur). The data suggest that the genes expressed at higher levels in the IB4- neurons could contribute to the initial growth response of these cells in a permissive environment and could also represent a common injury response that subsequently promotes axon regeneration. The differential expression of several extracellular matrix molecules (FN, Lamb1, Icam) may suggest that the IB4- neurons are capable of maintaining /sec...
Source: BMC Neuroscience - Latest articles - January 30, 2013 Category: Neuroscience Authors: Neva FudgeKaren Mearow Source Type: research

Manganese toxicity in the CNS: the glutamine/glutamate‐γ‐aminobutyric acid cycle
Abstract Manganese (Mn) is an essential trace element that is required for maintaining proper function and regulation of numerous biochemical and cellular reactions. Despite its essentiality, at excessive levels Mn is toxic to the CNS. Increased accumulation of Mn in specific brain regions, such as the substantia nigra, globus pallidus and striatum, triggers neurotoxicity resulting in a neurological brain disorder, termed manganism. Mn has been also implicated in the pathophysiology of several other neurodegenerative diseases. Its toxicity is associated with disruption of the glutamine (Gln)/glutamate (Glu)‐γ‐aminobut...
Source: Journal of Internal Medicine - January 30, 2013 Category: Internal Medicine Authors: Marta Sidoryk‐Wegrzynowicz, Michael Aschner Tags: Review Source Type: research

The author file: Loren L. Looger
Nature Methods 10, 93 (2013). doi:10.1038/nmeth.2334 Author: Vivien Marx Engineering protein sensors to light up split-second signals in the brain
Source: Nature Methods - January 30, 2013 Category: Research Authors: Vivien Marx Tags: This Month Source Type: research

Hamstring and psoas length of crouch gait in cerebral palsy: a comparison with induced crouch gait in age- and sex-matched controls
Conclusions: Normal controls mimicking crouch gait and cerebral palsy patients with crouch gait demonstrate similar muscle length patterns. However, mimicked crouch gait did not reproduce the excursion pattern shown by patients with crouch gait, which suggests that reduced hamstring and psoas excursion is an innate characteristic of pathologic crouch gait.
Source: Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation - January 30, 2013 Category: Rehabilitation Authors: Tae-Yon RhieKi Hyuk SungMoon Seok ParkKyoung Min LeeChin Youb Chung Source Type: research

Expression of c‐Jun and Sox‐2 in human schwannomas and traumatic neuromas
ConclusionsWe have demonstrated increased expression of c‐Jun and Sox‐2 in schwannoma compared to traumatic neuroma. There was no expression of c‐Jun and Sox‐2 in a histologically normal peripheral nerve.
Source: Histopathology - January 30, 2013 Category: Pathology Authors: Aditya Shivane, David B Parkinson, Sylwia Ammoun, Clemens O Hanemann Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

Ultrastable neuroendocrine robot controller
The work of a simulated neuroendocrine controller with ultrastable neurons and glands is sketched and tested in terms of stability and adaptability. The artificial neurons connect to each other and to motors, while hormones produced by behaviour-related glands regulate their output. The ultrastable nature of the cells allows them to maintain their homeostasis by random reconfiguration of their connections and parameters without reference to the global goal of the system. Interactions of these ultrastable components cause individual robot behaviours to emerge to certain extents. The presented results show that the controlle...
Source: Adaptive Behavior - January 30, 2013 Category: Nursing Authors: Pitonakova, L. Tags: Original Papers Source Type: research

Expression of concern
Source: Glia - January 30, 2013 Category: Neurology Tags: Erratum Source Type: research

Hyposmolality differentially and spatiotemporally modulates levels of glutamine synthetase and serine racemase in rat supraoptic nucleus
We describe an electrophysiological correlate of this phenomenon, whereby in vitro HOC transiently reduced the firing activity of VP neurons within the supraoptic nucleus of brain slices, which was followed by a rebound increase of their activity; this was paralleled by changes in the level of proteins relevant to astroglia–neuronal interactions. Hence, in vitro HOC transiently (at 5 min) increased the level of astrocyte‐specific glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), which then declined to control or base level (at 20 min); this was blocked by the gliotoxin L‐aminoadipic acid, but not by tetanus toxin, which was us...
Source: Glia - January 30, 2013 Category: Neurology Authors: Yu‐Feng Wang, Min‐Yu Sun, Qiuling Hou, Vladimir Parpura Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

Increased miR‐195 aggravates neuropathic pain by inhibiting autophagy following peripheral nerve injury
Conclusions: These data demonstrated that miR‐195/autophagy signaling represents a novel pathway regulating neuroinflammation and neuropathic pain, thus offering a new target for therapy of neuropathic pain.
Source: Glia - January 30, 2013 Category: Neurology Authors: Guodong Shi, Jiangang Shi, Kun Liu, Ning Liu, Yuan Wang, Zhiyi Fu, Jiandong Ding, Lianshun Jia, Wen Yuan Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

Repulsive migration of schwann cells induced by slit‐2 through Ca2+‐dependent RhoA‐Myosin signaling
Abstract Schwann cells migrate along axons before initiating myelination during development and their migration facilitates peripheral nerve regeneration after injury. Axon guidance molecule Slit‐2 is highly expressed during peripheral development and nerve regeneration; however, whether Slit‐2 regulates the migration of Schwann cells remains a mystery. Here we show that Slit‐2 receptor Robo‐1 and Robo‐2 were highly expressed in Schwann cells in vitro and in vivo. Using three distinct migration assays, we found that Slit‐2 repelled the migration of cultured Schwann cells. Furthermore, frontal application of a S...
Source: Glia - January 30, 2013 Category: Neurology Authors: Ying Wang, Hong‐Lin Teng, Zhi‐Hui Huang Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

Elevating Endogenous GABA Levels with GAT-1 Blockade Modulates Evoked but Not Induced Responses in Human Visual Cortex
& Krish D Singh Keywords: alpha oscillations; electroencephalography; evoked responses; GABA; gamma oscillations; imaging; clinical or preclinical; magnetoencephalography; neuropharmacology; neurophysiology
Source: Neuropsychopharmacology - January 30, 2013 Category: Neurology Authors: Suresh D MuthukumaraswamyJim F M MyersSue J WilsonDavid J NuttKhalid HamandiAnne Lingford-HughesKrish D Singh Tags: alpha oscillations electroencephalography evoked responses GABA gamma oscillations imaging clinical or preclinical magnetoencephalography neuropharmacology neurophysiology Source Type: research

Individual Differences in Anterior Cingulate Activation Associated with Attentional Bias Predict Cocaine Use After Treatment
mp; Ingmar H A Franken Keywords: addiction & substance abuse; cognition; biological psychiatry; neurophysiology; cocaine; relapse; dorsal anterior cingulate cortex; attentional bias; functional MRI; addiction Stroop task
Source: Neuropsychopharmacology - January 30, 2013 Category: Neurology Authors: Reshmi MarheMaartje LuijtenBen J M van de WeteringMarion SmitsIngmar H A Franken Tags: addiction & substance abuse cognition biological psychiatry neurophysiology cocaine relapse dorsal anterior cingulate cortex attentional bias functional MRI addiction Stroop task Source Type: research

Modulation of Hippocampal Synaptic Transmission by the Kynurenine Pathway Member Xanthurenic Acid and Other VGLUT Inhibitors
& T E Salt Keywords: glutamate; hippocampus; metabotropic glutamate receptors; mGlu2; Neuropharmacology; Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences; schizophrenia/antipsychotics; synaptic transmission
Source: Neuropsychopharmacology - January 30, 2013 Category: Neurology Authors: S A NealeC S CopelandV N UebeleF J ThomsonT E Salt Tags: glutamate hippocampus metabotropic glutamate receptors mGlu2 Neuropharmacology Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences schizophrenia/antipsychotics synaptic transmission Source Type: research

Fluoxetine-Induced Cortical Adult Neurogenesis
p; Tsuyoshi Miyakawa Keywords: Animal models; Biological Psychiatry; Neuropharmacology; Neurodegeneration/Neuroprotection; adult neurogenesis; antidepressant; neocortex; interneuron; GABA
Source: Neuropsychopharmacology - January 30, 2013 Category: Neurology Authors: Koji OhiraRika TakeuchiHirotaka ShojiTsuyoshi Miyakawa Tags: Animal models Biological Psychiatry Neuropharmacology Neurodegeneration/Neuroprotection adult neurogenesis antidepressant neocortex interneuron GABA Source Type: research

Extended Heroin Access Increases Heroin Choices Over a Potent Nondrug Alternative
& Serge H Ahmed Keywords: addiction & substance abuse; alternative reinforcement; animal models; biological psychiatry; choice; cocaine; heroin; opioids
Source: Neuropsychopharmacology - January 30, 2013 Category: Neurology Authors: Magalie LenoirLauriane CantinNathalie VanhilleFuschia SerreSerge H Ahmed Tags: addiction & substance abuse alternative reinforcement animal models biological psychiatry choice cocaine heroin opioids Source Type: research

Naloxone-Reversible Modulation of Pain Circuitry by Left Prefrontal rTMS
& Mark S George Keywords: brain mapping; Imaging; Clinical or Preclinical; Neuropeptides; Neuropharmacology; Pain / Analgesics; prefrontal cortex; repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation
Source: Neuropsychopharmacology - January 30, 2013 Category: Neurology Authors: Joseph J TaylorJeffrey J BorckardtMelanie CanterberryXingbao LiColleen A HanlonTruman R BrownMark S George Tags: brain mapping Imaging Clinical or Preclinical Neuropeptides Neuropharmacology Pain / Analgesics prefrontal cortex repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation Source Type: research