MedWorm: Deep Brain Stimulation

Corrigendum to “Cost of disorders of the brain in Europe 2010” [Eur. Neuropsychopharmacol. 21 (2011) 718–779]

European Neuropsychopharmacology — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 07:14:32 +0100

The authors regret that in the abovementioned article, an author name and affiliation were listed incorrectly. The correct listing is printed above. (Source: European Neuropsychopharmacology)

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Effects of Mood States on Variety Seeking: The Moderating Roles of Personality

Psychology and Marketing — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 07:12:25 +0100

ABSTRACTBuilding upon previous research and in an attempt to better understand the influence of mood states on variety‐seeking (VS) tendency, two specific emotional states (sadness and happiness) are discussed. Furthermore, this article proposes that the effects of mood states on VS are moderated by individuals’ differences. In this article, optimum stimulation level, self‐monitoring, and need for cognition are used to examine the moderating effects of this relationship. Consistent with the proposed hypotheses, the results indicate that sad individuals tend to incorporate more VS than happy ones. In addition, the three personality types tested in this article moderate the effects of mood on VS. Finally, suggestions for future research are discussed. (Source: Psychology and Marketing)

Erratum: Neurodevelopmental MRI brain templates for children from 2 weeks to 4 years of age. C. E. Sanchez, J. E. Richards, and C. R. Almli.

Developmental Psychobiology — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 07:05:51 +0100

(Source: Developmental Psychobiology)

Memory Gets Jolt in Brain Research

WSJ.com: Health — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 01:33:21 +0100

An electrical brain-stimulation technique appears to enhance human memory, according to a tiny but intriguing new study that bolsters hope for one day developing a nondrug treatment for memory problems, including ailments like Alzheimer's. (Source: WSJ.com: Health)

Role of perisynaptic parameters in neurotransmitter homeostasis ‐ computational study of a general synapse

Synapse — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 01:26:33 +0100

AbstractExtracellular neurotransmitter concentrations vary over a wide range depending on the type of neurotransmitter and location in the brain. Neurotransmitter homeostasis near a synapse is achieved by a balance of several mechanisms including vesicular release from the presynapse, diffusion, uptake by transporters, non‐synaptic production, and regulation of release by autoreceptors. These mechanisms are also affected by the glia surrounding the synapse. However, the role of these mechanisms in achieving neurotransmitter homeostasis is not well understood. A biophysical modeling framework was proposed, based on a cortico‐accumbens synapse example case, to reverse engineer glial configurations and parameters related to homeostasis for synapses that support a range of neurotransmitter...

Metamorphosis of a clock: Remodeling of the circadian timing system in the brain of Rhodnius prolixus (Hemiptera) during larval‐adult development

The Journal of Comparative Neurology — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 01:21:38 +0100

AbstractThe rhythmic phenomena expressed by organisms change over their lifetimes, but little is known of accompanying reorganization of the central circadian timing system in the brain. Especially dramatic changes in overt rhythms and morphology occur during transformation of larval insects into the adult form (metamorphosis). In Rhodnius prolixus, both the physiology of metamorphosis and its hormonal control are known in detail. Here we report changes in the brain timing system as revealed by pigment dispersing factor immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy. Most of the features of the larval system are retained, but new clock cells differentiate and the arborizations of their axons increase in complexity, as do pathways connecting the lateral (LNs) and dorsal (DNs) groups of clock ...

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Study: Electric boost helps brain to learn better

USATODAY.com Health — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 23:42:23 +0100

People learned better when a key part of their brains got mild zaps of electricity, a new report shows. (Source: USATODAY.com Health)

Study Explores Electrical Stimulation to Aid Memory

NYT Health — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 23:22:18 +0100

A small study shows promise that could lead to clues to encoding memory and treating neurological diseases. (Source: NYT Health)

Tai chi may help balance in people with Parkinson's

Reuters: Health — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 23:16:12 +0100

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - The slow, controlled motions of tai chi can help the impaired balance of people with mild or moderate Parkinson's disease, and the improvements persist for at least three months, according to a small study out Wednesday. (Source: Reuters: Health)

Tiny electrical shocks to the brain enhance memory: study

Reuters: Health — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 23:14:19 +0100

CHICAGO (Reuters) - Lightly shocking a person's brain just before they learned a new task appeared to strengthen memory in a handful of patients with epilepsy, a tantalizing result that could have implications for Alzheimer's disease, U.S. researchers said on Wednesday. (Source: Reuters: Health)

Electrical Brain Stimulation May Strengthen Memory, Study Says

The Doctors Lounge - Neurology — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 23:00:00 +0100

Preliminary results suggest method might hold promise for dementia patients (Source: The Doctors Lounge - Neurology)

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Tai Chi May Help Parkinson’s Patients

The Doctors Lounge - Neurology — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 23:00:00 +0100

Study found twice-weekly training boosted balance, reduced falls (Source: The Doctors Lounge - Neurology)

Sexual Dimorphism and Laterality in the Evolution of the Primate Prefrontal Cortex

Brain, Behavior and Evolution — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 23:00:00 +0100

Brain Behav Evol (DOI:10.1159/000336115) (Source: Brain, Behavior and Evolution)

Brain Stimulation Provides a Memory Boost

WSJ.com: Health — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 22:51:53 +0100

Study: Tai chi helps ease symptoms of Parkinson's

USATODAY.com Health — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 22:23:21 +0100

The ancient Chinese exercise of tai chi improved balance and lowered the risk of falls in a study of people with Parkinson's disease. (Source: USATODAY.com Health)

Distracted driving in elderly and middle-aged drivers.

Accident; Analysis and Prevention. — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 21:20:43 +0100

This study examined distracted driving performance in an instrumented vehicle (IV) in 86 elderly (mean=72.5 years, SD=5.0 years) and 51 middle-aged drivers (mean=53.7 years, SD=9.3 year) under a concurrent auditory-verbal processing load created by the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Task (PASAT). Compared to baseline (no-task) driving performance, distraction was associated with reduced steering control in both groups, with middle-aged drivers showing a greater increase in steering variability. The elderly drove slower and showed decreased speed variability during distraction compared to middle-aged drivers. They also tended to "freeze up", spending significantly more time holding the gas pedal steady, another tactic that may mitigate time pressured integration and control of information, ...

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Electrical stimulation of the dorsal clitoral nerve reduces incontinence episodes in idiopathic faecal incontinent patients: a pilot study

Colorectal Disease — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 21:05:22 +0100

Conclusion DGN stimulation reduced the number of FI episodes in most patients suffering from idiopathic FI. Sphincter function and rectal volume tolerability were not affected. DGN stimulation may represent a new treatment for idiopathic FI. (Source: Colorectal Disease)

Lab-Made Neurons Allow Scientists To Study A Genetic Cause Of Parkinson's

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 21:00:00 +0100

By reverse engineering human skin cells to become induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and then coaxing them to become neural dopamine cells, scientists in the US have developed a way to study a genetic cause of Parkinson's disease in lab-made neurons. Their findings, which they write about in the 7 February issue of Nature Communications, reveal some potential new drug targets for Parkinson's and a new platform to screen treatments that might mimic the protective functions of parkin, the gene they investigated... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Brainstem Infarction and Panuveitis due to Sarcoidosis Successfully Treated with Steroid Pulse Therapy

Advances in Pharmacological Sciences — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:37:00 +0100

A 36-year-old man visited our hospital because of blurred vision and redness of the conjunctiva. Slit-lamp examination showed panuveitis. Two days later, he suddenly experienced dizziness, speech disturbance, paralysis of his right extremities, and gait disturbances. Neurological examinations suggested that his symptoms were caused by a left lateral medullary lesion. He also had erythema mainly on his trunk. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of his brain demonstrated a small infarct on the left side of the medulla oblongata. Clinical presentation and MRI findings were consistent with the diagnosis of a Wallenberg’s syndrome. He also had bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy. A skin biopsy showed granulomatous nodular dermatitis compatible with sarcoidosis. He was treated with steroid pulse ther...

Antiallodynic Effect of Herbal Medicine Yokukansan on Peripheral Neuropathy in Rats with Chronic Constriction Injury

Advances in Pharmacological Sciences — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:37:00 +0100

In this study, we investigated the effects of yokukansan on neuropathic pain in chronic constriction injury (CCI) model. Oral administration of yokukansan significantly inhibited mechanical and cold allodynia in the von Frey hair or acetone test, respectively. In comparison, amitriptyline, a tricyclic antidepressant, demonstrated moderate, but not significant, antiallodynic effects in the mechanical and cold tests. Yokukansan significantly inhibited the cerebrospinal fluid dialysate level of glutamate that had increased by the stimulation of brush or acetone. Glutamate transporter inhibitors, DL-threo-beta-hydroxy aspartate and dihydrokainate, decreased the yokukansan-induced antiallodynic actions in CCI rats. Our results suggest that yokukansan was confirmed to have antiallodynic effects ...

Football Withdrawal Coping Tips

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:00:00 +0100

Millions of football fans will experience withdrawal symptoms now that the Super Bowl and football season is over. When an individual experiences pleasurable activity, such as watching a football game, dopamine is released in the nucleus accumbens region of the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter (brain chemical) related to the brain's pleasure centers. However, the individual is left feeling deprived once the pleasurable activity ends. This feeling of depravation is similar to what a smoker feels when deprived of a cigarette... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Dual Imaging Catches Risk of Second Stroke (CME/CE)

MedPage Today Emergency Medicine — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:43:02 +0100

NEW ORLEANS (MedPage Today) -- CT angiography should be included with brain CT for early detection of severe arterial stenosis in those presenting with transient ischemic attack or minor stroke, researchers suggested. (Source: MedPage Today Emergency Medicine)

Sex 'helps keep your mind young in old age'

the Mail online | Health — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:01:32 +0100

Want to stay sharp in your old age? Scientists at Rostock University in Germany say having sex later in life could provide a pleasant alternative to playing incessant brain-training games. (Source: the Mail online | Health)

Healthcare IT Expert Exposes Hidden Risks of Lawsuits Due to Electronic Health Record

Medical News (via PRIMEZONE) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:08:00 +0100

DELRAY BEACH, Fla., Feb. 8, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Since the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) passed in February 2009 and caused a digital tsunami in the healthcare industry, physicians have been scrambling to comply with the requirement to switch to electronic health record systems. (EHRs) While many in the healthcare industry laud the use of EHRs to improve quality of care and analyzing patient outcomes, Dr. Sam Bierstock, founder of Champions In Healthcare, (www.sambierstock.com) points out significant concerns regarding increased vulnerability to medical legal claims that may result from the use of EHRs without major tort reform that would relieve physicians of an onslaught of malpractice suits. "EHRs unquestionably have the potential to improve patient safety and the...

Seasonal Changes in Testes Vascularisation in the Domestic Cat (Felis domesticus): Evaluation of Microvasculature, Angiogenic Activity, and Endothelial Cell Expression

Journal of Oncology — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:24:10 +0100

The objective of this study was to understand the effect of seasonality on: (i) microvasculature of cat testes; (ii) angiogenic activity in testicular tissue in vitro; and (iii) testicular endothelial cells expression throughout the year. Testicular vascular areas increased in March and April, June and July, being the highest in November and December. Testes tissue differently stimulated in vitro angiogenic activity, according to seasonality, being more evident in February, and November and December. Even though CD143 expression was higher in December, smaller peaks were present in April and July. As changes in angiogenesis may play a role on testes vascular growth and regression during the breeding and non-breeding seasons, data suggest that testicular vascularisation in cats is increased...

Early VTE Therapy OK After Brain Bleed (CME/CE)

MedPage Today Cardiovascular — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:43:01 +0100

HOUSTON --The risk of re-bleeding after intracranial hemorrhage did not increase when patients received early prophylaxis for venous thromboembolism (VTE), a retrospective review showed. (Source: MedPage Today Cardiovascular)

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Antihypertensive Drugs for the Elderly: Too Much of a Good Thing

Consultant Live — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0100

Dizzy patient? Their brain might not be getting enough blood, thanks to their antihypertensive dosage. (Source: Consultant Live)

Effects of High-Mobility Group A Protein Application on Canine Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells In Vitro

Clinical and Developmental Immunology — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:20:54 +0100

Multipotency and self-renewal are considered as most important features of stem cells to persist throughout life in tissues. In this context, the role of HMGA proteins to influence proliferation of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell (ASCs) while maintaining their multipotent and self-renewal capacities has not yet been investigated. Therefore, extracellular HMGA1 and HMGA2 application alone (10–200 ng/mL) and in combination with each other (100, 200 ng/mL each) was investigated with regard to proliferative effects on canine ASCs (cASCs) after 48 hours of cultivation. Furthermore, mRNA expression of multipotency marker genes in unstimulated and HMGA2-stimulated cASCs (50, 100 ng/mL) was analyzed by RT-qPCR. HMGA1 significantly reduced cASCs proliferation in con...

Sequence evolution and escape from specific immune pressure of an HIV‐1 Rev epitope with extensive sequence similarity to human nucleolar protein 6

Tissue Antigens — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:12:51 +0100

This study shows that the HLA‐B44‐restricted Rev CD8+ T‐cell epitope EL9 is immunogenic notwithstanding its close resemblance to a human peptide. The epitope mutates as a consequence of dynamic interaction between T‐cells and HIV‐1. Clinical status, CD4+ T‐cell count and viral load remained stable despite escape from T‐cell recognition. (Source: Tissue Antigens)

South Africa: Cry the Beloved Province

AllAfrica News: Pregnancy and Childbirth — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:30:22 +0100

[Health-e] There has been an increase in newborn baby deaths and newborns with brain damage at Chris Hani Baragwanath (CHB) Hospital's labour ward since November, including two avoidable stillbirths, as a staffing crisis linked to non-payment of nursing agencies hit the academic hospital. (Source: AllAfrica News: Pregnancy and Childbirth)

Key Finding In Stem Cell Self-Renewal

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 09:00:00 +0100

A University of Minnesota-led research team has proposed a mechanism for the control of whether embryonic stem cells continue to proliferate and stay stem cells, or differentiate into adult cells like brain, liver or skin. The work has implications in two areas. In cancer treatment, it is desirable to inhibit cell proliferation. But to grow adult stem cells for transplantation to victims of injury or disease, it would be desirable to sustain proliferation until a sufficient number of cells have been produced to make a usable organ or tissue... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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What We Eat Can Alter The Brain Regions That Regulate Body Weight

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 09:00:00 +0100

An editorial authored by University of Cincinnati (UC) diabetes researchers published in the Feb. 7, 2012, issue of the journal Cell Metabolism sheds light on the biological factors contributing to rising rates of obesity and discusses strategies to reduce body weight. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, about one-third of U.S. adults are obese, a number that continues to climb. "While we don't usually think of it this way, body weight is regulated... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Images Of Nerve Cells In The Brain Of A Living Mouse

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0100

To explore the most intricate structures of the brain in order to decipher how it functions - Stefan Hell's team of researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry in Gottingen has made a significant step closer to this goal. Using the STED microscopy developed by Hell, the scientists have, for the first time, managed to record detailed live images inside the brain of a living mouse. Captured in the previously impossible resolution of less than 70 nanometers, these images have made the minute structures visible which allow nerve cells to communicate with each other... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Patient Sensitivity To Important Drug Target In Deadly Brain Cancer Predicted

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0100

A recent discovery by Van Andel Research Institute (VARI) scientists enables the prediction of patient sensitivity to proposed drug therapies for glioblastoma - the most common and most aggressive malignant brain tumor in humans. The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, investigated glioblastoma models characterized by cell signaling activation and gene amplification for their susceptibility to inhibitors of both the human MET oncogene and the epidermal growth factor receptor (EFGR). An oncogene is a gene with the potential to cause cancer... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Working Memory And The Brain

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0100

Researchers have long known that specific parts of the brain activate when people view particular images. For example, a region called the fusiform face area turns on when the eyes glance at faces, and another region called the parahippocampal place area does the same when a person looks at scenes or buildings. However, it's been unknown whether such specialization also exists for visual working memory, a category of memory that allows the brain to temporarily store and manipulate visual information for immediate tasks... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Parkinson's cells 'made in lab'

BBC News | Health | UK Edition — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 07:57:01 +0100

Scientists in the US have successfully made human brain cells in the lab that are an exact replica of genetically caused Parkinson's disease. (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)

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Flipping a light switch in the cell: Quantum dots used for targeted neural activation

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Optical Society of America) By harnessing quantum dots researchers at the University of Washington have developed a new and vastly more targeted way to stimulate neurons in the brain. Being able to switch neurons on and off and monitor how they communicate with one another is crucial for understanding -- and, ultimately, treating -- a host of brain disorders. The research was published today in the Optical Society's open-access journal Biomedical Optics Express. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

Feast or famine? How appetite cells in the brain respond to fasting

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Cell Press) Previous work has shown that the AgRP neurons promote feeding and weight gain, while the POMC cells have been linked with appetite suppression and weight loss. Now a new study published by Cell Press in the Feb. 9 issue of the journal Neuron uncovers a neural pathway that links fasting with activation of AgRP neurons. The research provides valuable insight into the complex mechanisms that control food seeking behavior. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

ASTRO develops brain metastases guideline

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(American Society for Radiation Oncology) The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has developed a guideline on the radiotherapeutic and surgical management for newly diagnosed brain metastases. It has been published in Practical Radiation Oncology (PRO), ASTRO's official clinical practice journal. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Cyril Clarke and the prevention of rhesus haemolytic disease of the newborn

British Journal of Haematology — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

SummaryCyril Clarke was an outstanding general physician and lepidopterist. Late in his career, and stimulated by his work on the genetics of mimicry in butterflies, he became interested in the evolving field of medical genetics. His work on the relationship of blood groups to particular diseases led him and his team in Liverpool to evolve a remarkably successful approach to the prevention of Rhesus haemolytic disease of the newborn. (Source: British Journal of Haematology)

Pachymeningeal involvement in POEMS syndrome: Dramatic cerebral MRI improvement after lenalidomide therapy

American Journal of Hematology — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractPOEMS (polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal gammopathy, skin changes) syndrome is a rare multisystemic disease associated with plasma cell dyscrasia and increased serum or plasma Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) levels, the latter likely responsible for several POEMS syndrome manifestations. Whereas peripheral neuropathy is the main neurological feature and a mandatory diagnostic criterium, central nervous system involvement is less common except for papilledema and stroke. We recently reported the frequent occurrence at brain MRI of cranial pachymeningeal involvement in a series of POEMS syndrome patients. Meningeal histopathology revealed hyperplasia of meningothelial cells, neovascularisation and obstructive vessel remodelling without inflammatory si...

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Von Willebrand disease: Clinical and laboratory lessons learned from the large von Willebrand disease studies

American Journal of Hematology — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractDuring the past 25 years, our knowledge concerning the pathogenesis, diagnostic strategies and treatment of von Willebrand disease (VWD) has increased significantly. Following the immunological differentiation of factor VIII (FVIII) and von Willebrand factor (VWF) in the 1970s and the cloning of the FVIII and VWF genes in the mid‐1980s, substantial progress has been made in our understanding of this, the most common inherited bleeding disorder. We now recognize that VWD represents a range of genetic diseases all with the clinical endpoint of increased mucocutaneous bleeding. The molecular pathology of Type 2 and Type 3 VWD is now comprehensively documented and involves rare sequence variants at the VWF locus. In contrast, the genetic causation of Type 1 disease remains incomplete...

Inflammasome and caspase-1 inhibition caused by Bcl-2 and Bcl-XL may influence cytokine responses of lipopolysaccharide-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells from septic patients

BioMed Central — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

no abstract available. (Source: BioMed Central)

Lipid raft/caveolae signaling is required for Cryptococcus neoformans invasion into human brain microvascular endothelial cells

BioMed Central — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: These data support that C. neoformans internalization into HBMEC is a lipid raft/caveolae-dependent endocytic process where the actin cytoskeleton is involved, and the Cav1 plays an essential role in C. neoformans traversal of the blood-brain barrier. (Source: BioMed Central)

UCLA scientists strengthen memory by stimulating key site in brain

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(University of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences) Ever gone to the movies and forgotten where you parked the car? New UCLA research may one day help you improve your memory.UCLA neuroscientists have demonstrated that they can strengthen memory in human patients by stimulating a critical junction in the brain. Published in the Feb. 9 edition of the New England Journal of Medicine, the finding could lead to a new method for boosting memory in patients with early Alzheimer's disease (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

Oregon Research Institute Tai Chi program helps Parkinson's disease patients

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Oregon Research Institute) An Oregon Research Institute exercise study conducted in four Oregon cities has shown significant benefits for patients with mild-to-moderate Parkinson's disease. In an original article published in the Feb. 9, 2012 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, ORI scientist Fuzhong Li, Ph.D. and colleagues report that a tailored program of twice-weekly Tai Chi training resulted in improved postural stability and walking ability, and reduced falls in the participants. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

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Tai Chi Improves Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease

WebMD Health — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Tai chi, a kind of exercise that guides the body through gentle, flowing poses, may help some of the worst physical problems of Parkinson’s disease, a new study shows. (Source: WebMD Health)

Aspirin for the prevention of cognitive decline in the elderly: rationale and design of a neuro-vascular imaging study (ENVIS-ion)

BMC Neurology — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This study will enrol 600 adults aged 70 years and over with normal cognitive function and without overt cardiovascular disease. Subjects will undergo cognitive testing, brain MRI and RVI at baseline and after 3 years of study treatment. All subjects will be recruited from a 19,000-patient clinical outcome trial conducted in Australia and the United States that will evaluate the effects of aspirin in maintaining disability-free longevity over 5 years. The intervention will be aspirin 100 mg daily versus matching placebo, randomized on a 1:1 basis.DiscussionThis study will improve understanding of the mechanisms at the level of brain and vascular structure that underlie the effects of aspirin on cognitive function. Given the limited access and high cost of MRI, RVI may prove useful as a too...

Functional analysis of Pro-inflammatory properties within the cerebrospinal fluid after subarachnoid hemorrhage in vivo and in vitro

Journal of Neuroinflammation — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: We functionally characterized inflammatory and vasoactive properties of patients' CSF after SAH in vivo and in vitro. This pro-inflammatory milieu in the subarachnoid space might play a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of early and delayed brain injury as well as vasospasm development following SAH. (Source: Journal of Neuroinflammation)

Pro-angiogenic effects of resveratrol in brain endothelial cells: nitric oxide-mediated regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor and metalloproteinases

Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Fabricio Simão, Aline S Pagnussat, Ji Hae Seo, Deepti Navaratna, Wendy Leung, Josephine Lok, Shuzhen Guo, Christian Waeber, Christianne G Salbego & Eng H Lo (Source: Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow)

Junctional protein regulation by sphingosine kinase 2 contributes to blood–brain barrier protection in hypoxic preconditioning-induced cerebral ischemic tolerance

Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Junctional protein regulation by sphingosine kinase 2 contributes to blood–brain barrier protection in hypoxic preconditioning-induced cerebral ischemic tolerance Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow & Metabolism advance online publication, February 8, 2012. doi:10.1038/jcbfm.2012.3 Authors: Bradley K Wacker, Angela B Freie, Jennifer L Perfater & Jeffrey M Gidday (Source: Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow)

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Regulation of CCL20 expression in astrocytes by IL‐6 and IL‐17

Glia — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In this study, we examined the role of IL‐6 and IL‐17 on CCL20 production in primary murine astrocytes. IL‐6 in combination with the IL‐6 soluble receptor (sIL‐6R) stimulated CCL20 expression in part through STAT3 activation, whereas IL‐17 alone had no effect. However, the combination of IL‐6, sIL‐6R, and IL‐17 led to a robust increase in CCL20 production. IL‐17 increased the activation‐associated phosphorylation of NF‐κB, and inhibition of the NF‐κB pathway significantly inhibited the enhancement of CCL20 expression by IL‐17. In addition, chromatin immunoprecipitation revealed that stimulation of primary astrocytes with IL‐6 plus the sIL‐6R induced STAT3 binding to the CCL20 promoter. Combined stimulation with IL‐6, sIL‐6R, and IL‐17 increased the r...

Neuronal organization of the hemiellipsoid body of the land hermit crab Coenobita clypeatus: Correspondence with the mushroom body ground pattern

The Journal of Comparative Neurology — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractMalacostracan crustaceans and dicondylic insects possess large second‐order olfactory neuropils called, respectively, hemiellipsoid bodies and mushroom bodies. Because these centers look very different in the two groups of arthropods, it has been debated whether these second‐order sensory neuropils are homologous or whether they have evolved independently. Here we describe the results of neuroanatomical observations and experiments that resolve the neuronal organization of the hemiellipsoid body in the terrestrial Caribbean hermit crab, Coenobita clypeatus, and compare this organization with the mushroom body of an insect, the cockroach Periplaneta americana. Comparisons of the morphology, ultrastructure, and immunoreactivity of the hemiellipsoid body of C. clypeatus and the mu...

Electron tomographic analysis of synaptic ultrastructure

The Journal of Comparative Neurology — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractSynaptic function depends upon interactions among sets of proteins that assemble into complex supramolecular machines. Molecular biology, electrophysiology and live‐cell imaging studies have provided tantalizing glimpses into the inner workings of the synapse, but fundamental questions remain regarding the functional organization of these “nano‐machines.” Electron tomography reveals the internal structure of synapses in three dimensions with exceptional spatial resolution. Here we report results from an electron tomographic study of axospinous synapses in neocortex and hippocampus of the adult rat, based on aldehyde‐fixed material stabilized with tannic acid in lieu of postfixation with osmium tetroxide. Our results provide a new window into the structural basis of excita...

Short- and long-latency somatosensory neuronal responses reveal selective brain injury and effect of hypothermia in global hypoxic ischemia

Journal of Neurophysiology — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In this study, origins of the subcortical and cortical signals are explored by decomposing the evoked neuronal activities into short- and long-latency responses (SLR and LLR), respectively. We evaluated the effect of therapeutic hypothermia on SLR and LLR during early recovery from cardiac arrest (CA)-induced HI in a rodent model. Twelve rats were subjected to CA, after which half of them were treated with hypothermia (32–34°C) and the rest were kept at normal temperature (36–37°C). Evoked neuronal activities from the primary somatosensory cortex, including multiunit activity (MUA) and local field potential (LFP), were continuously recorded during injury and early recovery. Results showed that upon initiation of injury, LLR disappeared first, followed by the disappearan...

Late postnatal development of intrinsic and synaptic properties promotes fast and precise signaling in the dorsal nucleus of the lateral lemniscus

Journal of Neurophysiology — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

The dorsal nucleus of the lateral lemniscus (DNLL) is an auditory brain stem structure that generates a long-lasting GABAergic output, which is important for binaural processing. Despite its importance in binaural processing, little is known about the cellular physiology and the synaptic input kinetics of DNLL neurons. To assess the relevant physiological parameters of DNLL neurons, their late postnatal developmental profile was analyzed in acute brain slices of 9- to 26-day-old Mongolian gerbils. The observed developmental changes in passive membrane and action potential (AP) properties all point toward an improvement of fast and precise signal integration in these neurons. Accordingly, synaptic glutamatergic and GABAergic current kinetics accelerate with age. The changes in intrinsic and...

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Ocular dryness excites two classes of corneal afferent neurons implicated in basal tearing in rats: involvement of transient receptor potential channels

Journal of Neurophysiology — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This study reports the findings of two classes of corneal afferents excited by drying of the cornea (dry responses) in isoflurane-anesthetized rats: cold-sensitive (CS; 87%) and cold-insensitive (CI; 13%) neurons. Compared with CI neurons, CS neurons showed significantly higher firing rates over warmer corneal temperatures (~31–15°C) and greater responses to menthol, drying, and wetting of the cornea but lower responses when hyperosmolar solutions were applied to the ocular surface. We proposed that the dry responses of these corneal afferents derive from cooling and an increased osmolarity of the ocular surface, leading to the production of basal tears. An ocular application of the transient receptor potential channel TRPM8 antagonist BCTC (20 μM) decreased the dry responses ...

Effects of amphetamine on subcellular distribution of dopamine and DOPAC

Synapse — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractAmphetamine effects on distribution of dopamine, DOPAC, and amphetamine in vesicular, cytosolic, and extracellular compartments associated with a striatal varicosity were estimated through use of a computer simulation model. In addition, contribution to overall effects of amphetamine by each of five actions – transport by dopamine transporter, transport by vesicular monoamine transporter, stimulation of reverse transport, inhibition of monoamine oxidase, and slowing of dopamine cell firing rate – were evaluated. Amphetamine enters a varicosity almost entirely by dopamine transporter and accumulates to very high levels within the varicosity. Both reverse transport by dopamine transporter and passive diffusion contribute to continual amphetamine egress across the plasma membrane....

Transient increases in dendritic spine density contribute to dentate gyrus long‐term potentiation

Synapse — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractDendritic spines are the primary sites for excitatory neurotransmission in the adult brain and exhibit changes in their number and morphology with experience. The relationship between spine formation and synaptic activity has been best characterized along the apical dendrites of pyramidal neurons in the hippocampal CA1 subfield. However, less is known about the structural mechanisms at the spine that mediate plasticity in other hippocampal subfields. The dentate gyrus is the predominant point of entry for synaptic input to the hippocampus, and dentate granule cells differ from CA1 pyramidal neurons in terms of their morphology and biophysical properties. In order to understand the structural mechanisms for plasticity in the dentate gyrus, we measured dendritic spine density in hipp...

Evaluation of blood-brain barrier transport and CNS drug metabolism in diseased and control brain after intravenous L-DOPA in a unilateral rat model of Parkinson's disease

Cerebrospinal Fluid Research — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Parkinson's disease-like pathology, indicated by a huge reduction of tyrosine hydroxylase as well as by substantially reduced levels and higher elimination rates of DOPAC and HVA, does not result in changes in BBB transport of L-DOPA. Taking the results of this study and that of previous ones, it can be concluded that changes in BBB functionality are not a specific characteristic of Parkinson's disease, and cannot account for the decreased benefit of L-DOPA at later stages of Parkinson's disease. (Source: Cerebrospinal Fluid Research)

WldS but not Nmnat1 protects dopaminergic neurites from MPP+ neurotoxicity

Molecular Neurodegeneration — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Our data suggest that NAD+ and WldS act through separate and possibly parallel mechanisms to protect dopamine axons. As MPP+ is thought to impair mitochondrial function, these results suggest that WldS might be involved in preserving mitochondrial health or maintaining cellular metabolism. (Source: Molecular Neurodegeneration)

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The effects of a 25% discount on fruits and vegetables: results of a randomized trial in a three-dimensional web-based supermarket

International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: A 25% discount on fruits and vegetables was effective in stimulating purchases of those products and did neither lead to higher expenditures in unhealthier food categories nor to higher total calories purchased. Future studies in real supermarkets need to confirm these findings. (Source: International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity)

Ultrastructural changes in cerebral capillary pericytes in aged notch3 mutant transgenic mice.

Ultrastructural Pathology — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 03:06:09 +0100

Authors: Gu X, Liu XY, Fagan A, Gonzalez-Toledo ME, Zhao LR Abstract Pericytes, the specialized vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), play an important role in supporting and maintaining the structure of capillaries. Pericytes show biochemical and physiologic features similar to VSMC, usually containing smooth muscle actin fibers and rich endoplasm reticulum. Studies have indicated that degeneration of VSMCs due to Notch3 mutations is the cause of cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL). However, it remains unclear whether the Notch3 mutation also affects cerebral cortex capillary pericytes. In this ultrastructural morphologic study, the authors have observed pathological changes in the cerebral cortex capillary pericytes...

Alcoholism and cellular vulnerability in different brain regions.

Ultrastructural Pathology — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 03:06:09 +0100

In this study the authors have elucidated preferential cellular vulnerability in three different brain regions. Autopsy material of the prefrontal cortex, striatum, and substantia nigra obtained from the brain tissue of alcoholic subjects was used in this study. We found that dendritic tree and astroglial damage is irreversible, while neuronal somata and most axons do not display irreversible changes. PMID: 22292736 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Ultrastructural Pathology)

CT-based quantitative SPECT for the radionuclide (201)Tl: experimental validation and a standardized uptake value for brain tumour patients.

Cancer Imaging — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:30:02 +0100

Authors: Willowson K, Bailey D, Schembri G, Baldock C Abstract We have previously reported on a method for reconstructing quantitative data from (99m)Tc single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) images based on corrections derived from X-ray computed tomography, producing accurate results in both experimental and clinical studies. This has been extended for use with the radionuclide (201)Tl. Accuracy was evaluated with experimental phantom studies, including corrections for partial volume effects where necessary. The quantitative technique was used to derive standardized uptake values (SUVs) for (201)Tl evaluation of brain tumours. A preliminary study was performed on 26 patients using (201)Tl SPECT scans to assess residual tumour after surgery and then to monitor response...

Pilot study on evaluation of any correlation between MR perfusion (K(trans)) and diffusion (apparent diffusion coefficient) parameters in brain tumors at 3 Tesla.

Cancer Imaging — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:30:02 +0100

Conclusion: We found that irrespective of brain tumor type, there is an inverse correlation between ADC and K(trans). Our findings highlight an intricate relationship between vascular permeability and the tumor microenvironment, probably modulating and/or interacting with changes such as increased cellularity, ischemic insult and varying extracellular matrix composition. PMID: 22275724 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Cancer Imaging)

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Brain cells made in US lab open doors for Parkinson’s research

Pharmaceutical Technology — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0100

US scientists have paved the way for major research into Parkinson’s disease after successfully making human brain cells in the lab that are an exact replica of a genetically-caused form of the illness. (Source: Pharmaceutical Technology)

Evolution of Sensory Development – Lessons from the Lateral Line

Karger Publishers — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 23:00:00 +0100

Brain Behav Evol 2012;79:73–74 (DOI:10.1159/000335696) (Source: Karger Publishers)

Obama boosts funds for Alzheimer's research

Reuters: Health — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 21:42:33 +0100

(Reuters) - The Obama administration plans to spend an additional $156 million over the next two years to help find an effective treatment for Alzheimer's, a fatal brain-wasting disease that affects more than 5 million Americans. (Source: Reuters: Health)

Obesity Epidemic Linked To Brain Mechanisms

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 21:00:00 +0100

America's rising rates of obesity in virtually all age groups is partly due to biological factors, researchers from the Cincinnati Diabetes and Obesity Center reported in the journal Cell Metabolism. Approximately one third of all American adults are obese today, and the percentage continues to rise, says the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Co-author, Randy Seeley, PhD, said: "While we don't usually think of it this way, body weight is regulated... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Documentation That DSM 5 Publication Must Be Delayed

Psychology Today Anxiety Center — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 18:13:46 +0100

I wrote last week that DSM 5 is so far behind schedule it can't possibly produce a usable document in time for its planned publication date in May 2013. My blog stimulated two interesting responses that illustrate the stark contrast between DSM 5 fantasy and DSM 5 reality.read more (Source: Psychology Today Anxiety Center)

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Gene Research Offers Clues to Parkinson’s Disease

The Doctors Lounge - Neurology — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 18:00:00 +0100

Key mutation in certain DNA is tied to a minority of cases of the illness, study says (Source: The Doctors Lounge - Neurology)

Mind control could be future of warfare

New Scientist - The Human Brain — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:43:55 +0100

Wars may be fought through manipulation of people's minds, and technology such as mind-machine interfaces, warns the Royal Society (Source: New Scientist - The Human Brain)

White House proposes raise for Alzheimer's research

CTV Health — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:41:37 +0100

The Obama administration is increasing spending on Alzheimer's research -- planning to surpass half a billion dollars next year -- as part of a quest to find effective treatments for the brain-destroying disease by 2025. (Source: CTV Health)

Obama administration to spend $50 million more immediately

Reuters: Health — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:29:51 +0100

(Reuters) - The Obama administration said on Tuesday it plans to spend an additional $50 million this year and will seek an extra $80 million in fiscal 2013 to bolster research for Alzheimer's disease, a fatal brain-wasting condition that affects more than 5 million Americans. (Source: Reuters: Health)

Gene Research Offers Clues to Parkinson's Disease

MedlinePlus Health News — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:00:00 +0100

Key mutation in certain DNA is tied to a minority of cases of the illness, study says Source: HealthDay Related MedlinePlus Pages: Genes and Gene Therapy, Parkinson's Disease (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

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Consecutive Mutational Events in a TSHR Allele of Arab Families with Resistance to Thyroid Stimulating Hormone

Thyroid — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:55:16 +0100

Thyroid , Vol. 0, No. 0. (Source: Thyroid)

British scientists appeal for brain donors to help battle against dementia

the Mail online | Health — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:00:32 +0100

Newcastle University has just recruited its 200th donor Roy and Susan Mellor, pictured, for its brain bank. The brains are used for research into dementia. (Source: the Mail online | Health)

Hypo-Hypochondria, Or Is It Me?

Psychology Today Food and Diet Center — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:41:52 +0100

Comedian Richard Lewis once began a performance by saying, "I just came from spending a weekend with my family; I can't tell you how glad I am to be speaking in front of 20,000 strangers." I don't like to whine and complain about my various physical ailments to my friends and family... much. read more (Source: Psychology Today Food and Diet Center)

Obama administration to spend $50 million more on Alzheimer's

Reuters: Health — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:24:06 +0100

(Reuters) - The Obama administration said on Tuesday it will spend an additional $50 million immediately to bolster research for Alzheimer's, a fatal, brain-wasting disease that affects 5 million Americans. (Source: Reuters: Health)

Merck Blood Thinner Still Wild Card For Investors

Forbes.com Healthcare News — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:11:11 +0100

Merck issued a press release saying that a second clinical trial of its blood-thinner vorapaxar prevented clot-related problems such as heart attacks, but also caused bleeding, including bleeding in the brain. The big question, which won't be answered until the full data are presented, is whether those risks and benefits balance out in a way that will result in a drug that will generate much in the way of sales. (Source: Forbes.com Healthcare News)

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Effect of PGC-1α on Proliferation, Migration, and Transdifferentiation of Rat Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells Induced by High Glucose

Journal of Nanomaterials — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:50:03 +0100

We assessed the role of PGC-1α (PPARγ coactivator-1 alpha) in glucose-induced proliferation, migration, and inflammatory gene expression of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). We carried out phagocytosis studies to assess the role of PGC-1α in transdifferentiation of VSMCs by flow cytometry. We found that high glucose stimulated proliferation, migration and inflammatory gene expression of VSMCs, but overexpression of PGC-1α attenuated the effects of glucose. In addition, overexpression of PGC-1α decreased mRNA and protein level of VSMCs-related genes, and induced macrophage-related gene expression, as well as phagocytosis of VSMCs. Therefore, PGC-1α inhibited glucose-induced proliferation, migration and inflammatory gene expression of VSMCs, which are...

Nora Volkow Explains (Not Really) Why People Don't Become Addicted

Psychology Today Addiction Center — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:14:54 +0100

The latest study purporting to identify the inbred biological factors in addiction calls to mind age-old questions about the nature of science. We in America prefer neat-sounding—but useless—laboratory findings over identifying the factors that actually account for behavior.read more (Source: Psychology Today Addiction Center)

Neuroendocrine response to CRF stimulation in veterans with and without PTSD in consideration of war zone era

Psychoneuroendocrinology — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:13:24 +0100

Conclusions: A uniform pattern of PTSD-related alterations in the response to intravenous CRF was not found. Rather, PTSD-related alterations were found only in veterans of the 1991 Gulf War, and were characterized by an enhanced pituitary response to CRF which may reflect increased sensitivity of pituitary corticotrophs or CRF hyposecretion. Together with previous neuroendocrine findings, the data suggest the HPA axis is dysregulated in Gulf War veterans in unique ways which may reflect the long-term effects of environmental exposures in addition to disease effects. Further work is needed to characterize these effects and their impact on long-term psychological and medical outcomes. (Source: Psychoneuroendocrinology)

Interactive effects of estrogen and serotonin on brain activation during working memory and affective processing in menopausal women

Psychoneuroendocrinology — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:13:24 +0100

We examined the individual and combined effects of estradiol and serotonin on working memory, emotion processing and task-related brain activation. Eight healthy predominantly early postmenopausal women underwent TD or sham depletion followed by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) both before and after short-term transdermal estradiol 75–150μg/d administration. There was an estradiol treatment by TD interaction for brain activation during performance on both the N-back Task (working memory) and Emotion Identification Task (affective processing). During the 2-back condition, TD attenuated activation prior to, but not after, estradiol treatment in the right and left dorsal lateral prefrontal and middle frontal/cingulate gyrus. During emotion identification, TD heightened activati...

Regulation of corticoid and serotonin receptor brain system following early life exposure of glucocorticoids: Long term implications for the neurobiology of mood

Psychoneuroendocrinology — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:13:24 +0100

Summary: Potent glucocorticoids (GC) administered early in life have improved premature infant survival dramatically. However, these agents may increase the risk for physical, neurological and behavior alterations. Anxiety, depression and attention difficulties are commonly described in adolescent and young adult survivors of prematurity. In the present study we administered vehicle, dexamethasone, or hydrocortisone to Sprague-Dawley rat pups on postnatal days 5 and 6, mimicking a short term clinical protocol commonly used in human infants. Two systems that are implicated in the regulation of stress and behavior were assessed: the limbic–hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis [LHPA; glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptors within] and the Serotonin (5-HT) system. We found that as ...

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Rare case of a primary non-dural central nervous system low grade B-cell lymphoma and literature review.

International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Pathology — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:36:02 +0100

We present a case of a 70-year-old HIV negative man with a five-year history of progressive dysnomia and new onset right extremity numbness, dysarthria, and blurry vision. On magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), an infiltrative enhancing tumor was noted. Follow up brain biopsy results revealed a small lymphocytic infiltrate with scattered plasma cells in a predominantly perivascular growth pattern. Flow-cytometric findings revealed a lambda monotypic B-cell population. The morphology and the flow cytometric findings were consistent with involvement by a low grade B-cell lymphoma. Subsequent positron emission tomography (PET) studies along with bone marrow biopsy and serum protein electrophoresis showed no evidence of systemic disease. The above findings are consistent with involvement by a no...

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: immunohistochemical analysis provides fresh insights into lung tissue remodelling with implications for novel prognostic markers.

International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Pathology — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:36:02 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: The pathogenesis of IPF is complex and involves multiple factors, possibly including EMT. Histological analysis suggests TGF-β-stimulated myofib rob lasts initiate a contractile response within established fibroblastic foci while proliferating ATII cells attempt to instigate alveolar epithelium repair. Marker expression (N-cadherin and Ki-67) correlation with histological disease activity (as reflected by fibroblastic foci extent) may emerge as future prognostic indicators for IPF. PMID: 22295148 [PubMed - in process] (Source: International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Pathology)

Transgenic overexpression of keratinocyte-specific VEGF and Ang1 in combination promotes wound healing under nondiabetic but not diabetic conditions.

International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Pathology — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:36:02 +0100

Authors: Loyd CM, Diaconu D, Fu W, Adams GN, Brandt E, Knutsen DA, Wolfram JA, McCormick TS, Ward NL Abstract VEGF and Angiopoietin (Ang)1 are growth factors that independently improve wound healing outcomes. Using a tet-repressible mouse model coupled with streptozotocin-induced diabetes, we examined wound healing in diabetic and nondiabetic mice engineered to overexpress keratinocyte-specific (K5) VEGF, Ang1 or Ang1-VEGF combined. All nondiabetic mice healed more rapidly than their diabetic counterparts; however overexpression of VEGF, Ang1 or the combination failed to improve wound closure under diabetic conditions. Conversely, under nondiabetic conditions, combining Ang1 and VEGF resulted in rapid wound closure. Molecular analyses of diabetic and nondiabetic K5-Ang1-VEGF skin r...

Researchers develop method of directing stem cells to increase bone formation and bone strength (EurekAlert, 5 February 2012)

Society for Endocrinology — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0100

US researchers have developed a technique to promote bone growth in a mouse model of osteoporosis by stimulating the migration of stem cells to the bone, reporting their findings in Nature Medicine. Full article (Source: Society for Endocrinology)

The Pathway To Losing Fat Is Heavily Influenced By A Hormone Produced In The Heart

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:00:00 +0100

It's well known that exercising reduces body weight because it draws on fat stores that muscle can burn as fuel. But a new study at Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute (Sanford-Burnham) suggests that the heart also plays a role in breaking down fat. In their study, published February 6 in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, Sheila Collins, Ph.D. and colleagues detail how hormones released by the heart stimulate fat cell metabolism. These hormones turn on a molecular mechanism similar to what's activated when the body is exposed to cold and burns fat to generate heat... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Taste Receptors Discovered In Pancreatic Beta Cells Can Sense Fructose And Stimulate Insulin Secretion

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:00:00 +0100

Taste receptors on the tongue help us distinguish between safe food and food that's spoiled or toxic. But taste receptors are now being found in other organs, too. In a study published online the week of February 6 by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the USA, researchers at Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute (Sanford-Burnham) discovered that beta cells in the pancreas use taste receptors to sense fructose, a type of sugar. According to the study, the beta cells respond to fructose by secreting insulin, a hormone that regulates the body's response to dietary sugar... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

After Concussion, Over-Reliance On Computer Tests In Return-To-Plan Decisions Questioned

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0100

A new study by researchers at Indiana University-Purdue University Columbus and Pace University is critical of the widespread use of computerized neuropsychological tests (CNT) in decisions regarding when athletes can return to play after suffering a concussion. "Our knowledge of the effects of concussions continues to evolve," said Thomas Redick, assistant professor of psychology at IUPUC. "We should continue to ask ourselves what the best practices are when dealing with a brain injury, which is what a concussion is... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Older Women With High Triglyceride Levels At High Risk Of Stroke

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0100

In a surprising finding with significant implications for older women, researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University and NYU School of Medicine have found that high levels of triglycerides (blood fats) are the strongest risk factor for the most common type of stroke in older women - more of a risk factor than elevated levels of total cholesterol or of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (known as "bad" cholesterol). The study appears online in Stroke. Strokes involve the sudden loss of blood flow to an area of the brain. According to the U.S... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Minimally Invasive Treatment Dissolves Blood Clots In The Brain And Lowers Risk Of Brain Damage After Stroke

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0100

Johns Hopkins neurologists report success with a new means of getting rid of potentially lethal blood clots in the brain safely without cutting through easily damaged brain tissue or removing large pieces of skull. The minimally invasive treatment, they report, increased the number of patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) who could function independently by 10 to 15 percent six months following the procedure... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Why the middle finger has such a slow connection

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Ruhr-University Bochum) Each part of the body has its own nerve cell area in the brain -- we therefore have a map of our bodies in our heads. The functional significance of these maps is largely unclear. What effects they can have is now shown by RUB neuroscientists through reaction time measurements combined with learning experiments and "computational modeling." They have been able to demonstrate that inhibitory influences of neighboring "finger nerve cells" affect the reaction time of a finger. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

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Lauren Sciences LLC awarded MJFF grant to develop a V-SmartTM therapeutic for Parkinson's disease

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Lauren Sciences LLC) Lauren Sciences LLC, a privately held biotechnology company furthering development of its new V-SmartTM nanovesicle platform technology, announced today the award of a grant from the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. The grant from MJFF will support development of the novel V-SmartTM nanovesicles for systemic, targeted delivery of GDNF (glial-derived naturetic factor) across the blood brain barrier (BBB) to the brain for treatment of Parkinson's disease. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Cutting-edge MRI techniques for studying communication within the brain

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Mary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News) Innovative magnetic resonance imaging techniques that can measure changes in the microstructure of the white matter likely to affect brain function and the ability of different regions of the brain to communicate are presented in an article in the groundbreaking new neuroscience journal Brain Connectivity, a bimonthly peer-reviewed publication from Mary Ann Liebert Inc. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Researchers increase understanding of gene's potentially protective role in Parkinson's

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa) University of Alabama researchers have identified how a specific gene protects dopamine-producing neurons from dying in both animal models and in cultures of human neurons, according to a scientific article publishing in the Feb. 8 edition of The Journal of Neuroscience. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

Management of Neuropathic Pain with Methylprednisolone at the Site of Nerve Injury

Pain Medicine — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions. Our results suggest that peripheral nerve block with 80 mg depo‐methylprednisolone plus 0.5% lidocaine provides effective management in the treatment of neuropathic pain due to peripheral nerve damage. (Source: Pain Medicine)

Contribution of CXCL12 secretion to invasion of breast cancer cells

Breast Cancer Research — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Expression of CXCL12 by tumor cells results in increased macrophage and microvessel density and in vivo invasiveness. (Source: Breast Cancer Research)

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Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis associated with necrotizing enterocolitis in premature newborns

Pediatric Blood and Cancer — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractHemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a systemic disease resulting from the excessive release of inflammatory cytokines by macrophages under prolonged antigenic stimulation. If untreated, it leads to multiorgan failure and death. Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) has not previously been associated with HLH. Here we report four preterm infants who were diagnosed with HLH associated with NEC. Two patients received chemotherapy and one survived. The other two infants succumbed to multiorgan failure. These results suggest that NEC may be a common clinical manifestation of HLH in premature neonates. Pediatr Blood Cancer © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Source: Pediatric Blood and Cancer)

Type 2 diabetes mellitus in a patient with malignant insulinoma manifesting following surgery

Diabetic Medicine — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Although this is a rare condition, clinicians should bear in mind that insulinomas may exist together with diabetes mellitus, and it is important to have this suspicion when considering the perioperative approach and for the prevention of morbidities.© 2012 The Authors. Diabetic Medicine © 2012 Diabetes UK (Source: Diabetic Medicine)

Postnatal Low Protein Diet Programs Leptin Signaling in the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Thyroid Axis and Pituitary TSH Response to Leptin in Adult Male Rats

Hormone and Metabolic Research — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Horm Metab Res 2012; 44: 114-122DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1299747Maternal protein restriction (PR) during lactation programs a lower body weight, hyperthyroidism, leptin resistance, and over-expression of leptin receptor in the pituitary gland at adulthood. Because leptin regulates energy homeostasis and the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis, we evaluated adipocyte morphology, the leptin signaling pathway in the HPT axis and the in vitro thyrotropin (TSH) response to leptin in adult progeny in this model. At birth, dams were separated in control diet with 23% protein or PR diet with 8% protein. After weaning, offspring received a normal diet. Adult PR offspring showed lower adipocytes area, higher leptin:visceral fat ratio, lower hypothalamic signal transducer and activator of transc...

Usefulness of Choline-PET for the detection of residual hemangiopericytoma in the skull base: comparison with FDG-PET

Head and Face Medicine — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: We emphasize the usefulness of Choline-PET for the detection of residual hemangiopericytoma in the skull base after various treatments, compared with FDG-PET. (Source: Head and Face Medicine)

Generation and Breakdown of Soluble Ultralarge von Willebrand Factor Multimers

Seminars in Thrombosis and Hemostasis — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Semin Thromb Hemost 2012; 38: 38-46DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1300950Ultralarge von Willebrand factor (ULVWF) multimeric strings are rapidly secreted by, and anchored to, stimulated endothelial cells (EC), and are hyperadhesive to platelets until cleavage by ADAMTS-13 (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with a thrombospondin type 1 motif, member 13). In ADAMTS-13-deficient familial and autoantibody-mediated thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), there is severely restricted cleavage of EC-anchored ULVWF-platelet strings. The small amount of active enzyme released from their EC cleaves ULVWF strings minimally just above EC surfaces, thus generating soluble ULVWF multimers that are 2.5 to 50 times longer than plasma von Willebrand factor (VWF) forms. Soluble ULVWF multimers (detected in TTP an...

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Postmortem observation of collagenous lead tip region fibrosis as a rare complication of DBS

Movement Disorders — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Comparison of enrollees and decliners of Parkinson disease sham surgery trials

Movement Disorders — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractConcerns have been raised that persons with serious illnesses participating in high‐risk research, such as PD patients in sham surgery trials, have unrealistic expectations and are vulnerable to exploitation. A comparison of enrollees and decliners of such research may provide insights about the adequacy of decision making by potential subjects. We compared 61 enrollees and 10 decliners of two phase II neurosurgical intervention (i.e., cellular and gene transfer) trials for PD regarding their demographic and clinical status, perceptions and attitudes regarding research risks, potential direct benefit, and societal benefit, and perspectives on the various potential reasons for and against participation. In addition to bivariate analyses, a logistic regression model examined variab...

Changes in the brain during long‐term follow‐up after liver transplantation

Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion:The shortening of the relaxation times observed in the basal ganglia before liver transplantation was caused by paramagnetic ion deposition. The recovery observable within 2 years after transplantation was permanent, and no recurrence of paramagnetic ion deposition was observed even 15 years posttransplantation. Changes in the white matter and thalamus after transplantation were attributed to damage caused by permanent exposure to immunosuppressants. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012;. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Source: Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

Feasibility study of exploring a T1‐weighted dynamic contrast‐enhanced MR approach for brain perfusion imaging

Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion:It is feasible to evaluate the cerebral perfusion by using T1‐weighted DCE‐MRI with the improved kinetic model. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012;. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Source: Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

How 'dementia' can be beaten by a drain in your brain

the Mail online | Health — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 02:31:51 +0100

Carole Smith had hydrocephalus which is an abnormal increase of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain. The condition is most common in people aged 60 or older. (Source: the Mail online | Health)

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Lack of responsiveness to 1‐desamino‐d arginin vasopressin (desmopressin) in male patients with nephrogenic syndrome of inappropriate antidiuresis: from bench to bedside

European Journal of Clinical Investigation — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 02:06:13 +0100

Conclusions Coherent with in vitro observation in transfected cells, our clinical observations demonstrate that the R137C–V2R mutant is resistant to vasopressin stimulation in its physiological sites of expression. (Source: European Journal of Clinical Investigation)

Giant magnetostriction in tetragonally distorted antiperovskite manganese nitrides

Journal of Applied Physics — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 01:08:27 +0100

T. Shimizu, T. Shibayama, K. Asano, and K. Takenaka The discovery of giant magnetostriction exceeding 2000 ppm in MnCuN has stimulated the research of manganese antiperovskites from the perspective of forced magnetostriction. We discovered that MnSbN exhibits a large magnetostriction of up to 450 ppm in the tetragonally distorted ferromagnetic phase ... [J. Appl. Phys. 111, 07A903 (2012)] published Mon Feb 6, 2012. (Source: Journal of Applied Physics)

Psychology Professor Writes Poorly Focused Article About Ritalin in the New York Times

Psychology Today Parenting Center — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:06:30 +0100

Unfair attack on stimulant medications in the New York Times.read more (Source: Psychology Today Parenting Center)

Defeminization of Brain Functions by a Single Injection of Estrogen Receptor α or β Agonist in Neonatal Female Rats

Neuroendocrinology — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 23:00:00 +0100

Neuroendocrinology (DOI:10.1159/000332128) (Source: Neuroendocrinology)

Front & Back Matter

Brain, Behavior and Evolution — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 23:00:00 +0100

Brain Behav Evol 2012;79:X (DOI:10.1159/000337023) (Source: Brain, Behavior and Evolution)

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Gene Regulator in Brain's Executive Hub Tracked across Lifespan

MedlinePlus Health News — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 22:39:33 +0100

Source: National Institute of Mental Health - Related MedlinePlus Page: Genes and Gene Therapy (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

Blurry line in diagnosing early Alzheimer's: study

Reuters: Health — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 21:18:52 +0100

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - The revised definition of a brain condition called mild cognitive impairment means that many people now considered to have mild or early Alzheimer's disease could easily be given that diagnosis instead, suggests a new study. (Source: Reuters: Health)

Male smokers lose brain function faster as they age

Reuters: Health — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 21:15:10 +0100

LONDON (Reuters) - Men who smoke suffer a more rapid decline in brain function as they age than their non-smoking counterparts, with their cognitive decline as rapid as someone 10 years older but who shuns tobacco, scientists said on Monday. (Source: Reuters: Health)

Male Smokers Lose Brain Function Faster as They Age

MedlinePlus Health News — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 21:14:12 +0100

Men who smoke suffer a more rapid decline in brain function as they age than their non-smoking counterparts, with their cognitive decline as rapid as someone 10 years older but who shuns tobacco, scientists said on Monday.Source: Reuters Health Related MedlinePlus Pages: Men's Health, Mild Cognitive Impairment, Smoking (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

Investigation on the Mechanisms for the Suppression of Cell Proliferation in the Dentate Gyrus of the Hippocampus in ACTH Treated Rats.

Yakugaku Zasshi : Journal of the Pharmaceutical Society of Japan — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 21:06:03 +0100

Authors: Hayashi H, Doi M, Onoue Y, Kuwatsuka K, Miyake A, Koyama T, Shinomiya K, Miyazaki I, Aasanuma M, Kitamura Y Abstract We previously reported that adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-treated rats serve as a valuable animal model for tricyclic antidepressant-resistant depressive conditions. The present study was undertaken to investigate the changes in neurogenesis in the hippocampus of ACTH-treated rats. Chronic treatment of ACTH decreased the number of bromodeoxyuridine-labeled cells in the dentate gyrus, and the coadministration of imipramine and lithium, and electroconvulsive stimuli recovered these reductions. Furthermore, chronic ACTH treatment also decreased the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and the coadministration of imipramine and lithium, and elec...

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Cardioprotective effect of fluvoxamine, sigma-1 receptor high affinity agonist.

Yakugaku Zasshi : Journal of the Pharmaceutical Society of Japan — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 21:06:03 +0100

Authors: Tagashira H, Fukunaga K Abstract Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are known to reduce post-myocardial infarction (MI)-induced morbidity and mortality. However, the molecular mechanism underlying SSRI-induced cardioprotection remains unclear. Here, we investigated the role of sigma-1 receptor (Sig-1R) stimulation with fluvoxamine on myocardial hypertrophy and cardioprotection. Male ICR mice were subjected to transverse aortic constriction (TAC) in the cardiac aortic arch. To confirm the cardioprotective role of Sig-1R stimulation by fluvoxamine, we treated mice with fluvoxamine (0.5 or 1 mg/kg) orally once a day for 4 weeks after onset of aortic banding. Interestingly, in untreated mice, Sig-1R expression in the left ventricle (LV) markedly decreased over 4 w...

Altered Intestinal P-glycoprotein Expression Levels Affect Pharmacodynamics under Diabetic Condition.

Yakugaku Zasshi : Journal of the Pharmaceutical Society of Japan — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 21:06:03 +0100

In conclusions, our findings suggest that the oral morphine analgesia is dependent on intestinal P-gp expression, and that may be one of the problems against obtaining stable pharmacological effects of morphine in diabetic patients. PMID: 22293693 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Yakugaku Zasshi : Journal of the Pharmaceutical Society of Japan)

Gene-Gene Interactions Between Interleukin-12A and Interleukin-12B with the Risk of Brain Tumor

DNA and Cell Biology — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 21:03:55 +0100

DNA and Cell Biology Feb 2012, Vol. 31, No. 2: 219-223. (Source: DNA and Cell Biology)

Tasting Fructose With the Pancreas

Diabetes News from dLife.com — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 20:08:40 +0100

February 6, 2012 (Sanford Burnham Medical Research Institute) — Sanford-Burnham researchers discover taste receptors in pancreatic beta cells that can sense fructose and stimulate insulin secretion. read more (Source: Diabetes News from dLife.com)

Siblings' Brain Scans May Hold Key to AddictionsSiblings' Brain Scans May Hold Key to Addictions

Medscape Radiology Headlines — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 20:03:09 +0100

Drug addicts and their non-addicted siblings share certain features in the brain, suggesting a susceptibility to addiction is inherited but is also a flaw that can be overcome. Reuters Health Information (Source: Medscape Radiology Headlines)

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Kefiran suppresses antigen-induced mast cell activation.

Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:48:04 +0100

Authors: Furuno T, Nakanishi M Abstract Kefir is a traditional fermented milk beverage produced by kefir grains in the Caucasian countries. Kefiran produced by Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens in kefir grains is an exopolysaccharide having a repeating structure with glucose and galactose residues in the chain sequence and has been suggested to exert many health-promoting effects such as immunomodulatory, hypotensive, hypocholesterolemic activities. Here we investigated the effects of kefiran on mast cell activation induced by antigen. Pretreatment with kefiran significantly inhibited antigen-induced Ca(2+) mobilization, degranulation, and tumor necrosis factor-α production in bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs) in a dose-dependent manner. The phosphorylation of Akt, glycogen synth...

Neuroprotective Capabilities of Tanshinone IIA against Cerebral Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury via Anti-apoptotic Pathway in Rats.

Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:48:04 +0100

In this study, we investigated the effects of TSA on cerebral apoptosis induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in which cerebral ischemia had been induced 2 h earlier. Twenty-four hours after reperfusion, the rats were assessed for infarct volume etc. Intraperitoneal administration of 25and 40 mg/kg TSA 10 min after MCAO significantly diminished infarct volume and brain water content and improved neurological deficits in a dose-dependent manner. The 25 mg/kg dosage was more effective. Treatment with 25 mg/kg TSA significantly improved symptoms and reduce infarct volume at different points in time, of which 10 min after MCAO was the most significant. Nissl-staining and HE-staining of the 25 mg/kg TSA group were more appreciable in terms of improvement relative to t...

β-Amyloid(42) Induces Desensitization of CXC Chemokine Receptor-4 via Formyl Peptide Receptor in Neural Stem/Progenitor Cells.

Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:48:04 +0100

Authors: Zhang C, Wang ZJ, Lok KH, Yin M Abstract The deposition of β-amyloid (Aβ) plaques and progressive loss of neurons are two main characteristics of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Supplement of neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) is a promising strategy for repair of the neurodegenerative diseases. However, hostile microenvironment of neurodegenerative brain is harmful for the neuroregeneration. Aβ(42) promoted the proliferation of NSPCs. Moreover, Aβ(42) (10-1000 nM) promoted the migration of NSPCs in a dose-dependent manner. The attraction of NSPCs toward Aβ(42) was significantly offset by 10 μM cyclosporin H, a potent and selective formyl peptide receptor antagonist. After incubation with Aβ(42) for 9 d, the migration ability of NSPCs was significantly decreased (...

Minimally invasive procedures reduce perihematomal endothelin-1 levels and the permeability of the BBB in a rabbit model of intracerebral hematoma

Neurological Sciences — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:34:31 +0100

Abstract To observe the effects of minimally invasive procedures for the evacuation of intracerebral hematomas on perihematomal ET-1 expression and their correlation with blood–brain barrier (BBB) permeability. Forty-five rabbits (2.8–3.4 kg body weight) were randomly divided into a normal control group (NC group, 15 rabbits), a model control group (MC group, 15 rabbits) and a minimally invasive group (MI group, 15 rabbits). A model of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) was prepared in the MC and MI groups by infusing autologous arterial blood into the rabbits’ brains; the same procedure was also performed in the NC group but without infusing blood into the rabbits’ brains. The intracerebral hematomas were evacuated by a stereotactic procedure in the minimally inv...

Cardiac natriuretic peptides act via p38 MAPK to induce the brown fat thermogenic program in mouse and human adipocytes

Journal of Clinical Investigation — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 18:32:05 +0100

The ability of mammals to resist body fat accumulation is linked to their ability to expand the number and activity of “brown adipocytes” within white fat depots. Activation of β-adrenergic receptors (β-ARs) can induce a functional “brown-like” adipocyte phenotype. As cardiac natriuretic peptides (NPs) and β-AR agonists are similarly potent at stimulating lipolysis in human adipocytes, we investigated whether NPs could induce human and mouse adipocytes to acquire brown adipocyte features, including a capacity for thermogenic energy expenditure mediated by uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1). In human adipocytes, atrial NP (ANP) and ventricular NP (BNP) activated PPARγ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) and UCP1 expression, induce...

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Don't Look for Pity When Looking for Work

Psychology Today Work Center — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:53:17 +0100

Presenting one's self as a victim, or as accustomed to tragedy, or even as filled with weltschmerz (because who wouldn't be?) is no way to land a job. Sure, you had a lousy childhood and now have insomnia, issues with food, emotional stability, and anxiety. What you would really like to do is write, paint, or act. Yes, you are pretty much like everybody else.read more (Source: Psychology Today Work Center)

Trevo® Pro System - Good Results In Restoring Function In Stroke Patients

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:00:00 +0100

Stryker has just announced the results of the TREVO Study at the International Stroke Conference in New Orleans. TREVO, (Thrombectomy REvascularization of large Vessel Occlusions in acute ischemic stroke) was designed to evaluate Trevo® System's ability to remove the blood clots that cause strokes, restoring the blood flow to the brain, and was one of the first prospective multi-center clinical studies of clot-removing stent retriever technology. The study involved sixty patients at seven leading European stroke centers. An independent core lab measured revascularization... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Mutation linked to 42% rise in stroke risk

NHS News Feed — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 16:45:00 +0100

Conclusion In this study, researchers have identified a genetic variant in the HDAC9 gene that is associated with a subtype of ischaemic stroke called a large vessel stroke. Large vessel strokes occur when one or more of the arteries supplying blood to the brain become blocked. In this type of study, the genetic variants identified as being associated with a condition are not necessarily the cause of the increase in risk. Instead, they may lie near another variant that is responsible for the effect. In order to unlock the role of the HDAC9 gene, researchers will now need to study it and the region surrounding it more closely, both to confirm whether the variation in this gene is responsible for the increase in stroke risk and, if so, how it has this effect. Genetic, medical and lifestyle f...

Your Brain May Be "Wired" For Addiction (But You Don't Have To Surrender)

Forbes.com Healthcare News — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 16:39:23 +0100

Addiction is one of the most common mental health problems there is: Drug use alone affects tens of millions of Americans, and that's only the illegal ones. Even more people deal with addictions to other things – alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, food, and various behaviors. People who are familiar with addiction, and certainly the researchers who study it, may wonder whether their brains are fundamentally different from non-addicts, making them more prone to addiction’s grasp. Now, a new study offers an interesting answer to this very basic question. (Source: Forbes.com Healthcare News)

Treating Depression With Deep Brain Stimulation

Psychology Today Depression Center — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 16:29:38 +0100

A recent paper in the Archives of General Psychiatry, a leading psychiatric journal, describes a study investigating deep brain stimulation (DBS) for the treatment of depression. read more (Source: Psychology Today Depression Center)

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Spinal Cord Stimulation Effective for HIV NeuropathySpinal Cord Stimulation Effective for HIV Neuropathy

Medscape Today Headlines — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 16:13:25 +0100

This approach should be "a first-line therapy once individuals are identified with this peripheral neuropathic pain process," says researcher. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

UAMS: 'World-Renowned' Neurosurgeons Study at Little Rock

Arkansas Business - Health Care — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:41:24 +0100

About 30 neurosurgeons from 10 countries are at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences for a hands-on anatomy course focusing on the white matter of the brain. (Source: Arkansas Business - Health Care)

Thinking About Mortality Changes How We Act

Scientific American - Official RSS Feed — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:00:00 +0100

The thought of shuffling off our mortal coil can make all of us a little squeamish. But avoiding the idea of death entirely means ignoring the role it can play in determining our actions. Consider the following scenario: [More] (Source: Scientific American - Official RSS Feed)

Annonamine, a New Aporphine Alkaloid from the Leaves of Annona muricata.

Chemical and Pharmaceutical Bulletin — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:06:02 +0100

In this study, a new aporphine alkaloid named annonamine (1) was isolated from the leaves of A. muricata L. together with four known benzylisoquinoline alkaloids (2-5). The structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated by the spectroscopic method. PMID: 22293487 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Chemical and Pharmaceutical Bulletin)

Labdane-Type Diterpenoids from the Rhizomes of Hedychium coronarium Inhibit Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated Production of Pro-inflammatory Cytokines in Bone Marrow-Derived Dendritic Cells.

Chemical and Pharmaceutical Bulletin — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:06:02 +0100

Authors: Kiem PV, Anh Hle T, Nhiem NX, Minh CV, Thuy NT, Yen PH, Hang DT, Tai BH, Mathema VB, Koh YS, Kim YH Abstract The rhizomes of Hedychium coronarium have been used for the treatment of inflammation, skin diseases, headache, and sharp pain due to rheumatism in traditional medicine. From this plant, two new labdanes, 15-methoxylabda-8(17),11E,13-trien-16,15-olide (1) and 16-methoxylabda-8(17),11E,13-trien-15,16-olide (3), named hedycoronens A and B, as well as four known, labda-8(17),11,13-trien-16,15-olide (2), 16-hydroxylabda-8(17),11,13-trien-15,16-olide (4), coronarin A (5), and corronarin E (6) were isolated. Their chemical structures were elucidated by mass, 1D- and 2D-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. They were evaluated for inhibitory effects on the lipopol...

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Baiting Predators

Psychology Today Personality Center — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 13:43:14 +0100

If your child wanted to correspond with serial killers, what would you say? The answer might seem simple, but in some cases, it’s complicated. A unique look at serial killers through the eyes of a young man with a brain injury raises intriguing questions. read more (Source: Psychology Today Personality Center)

Namibia: Mother Distances Herself From Financial Appeal

AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 13:15:06 +0100

[New Era] Windhoek - The mother of 13-year-old Jade Sinead Abrahams who has a cancerous brain tumour, has distanced herself from a newspaper report in which the teenager's father requested the public for financial assistance for an operation. (Source: AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine)

Magic mushrooms, international law and the failed 'war on drugs'

Guardian Unlimited Science — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:36:26 +0100

Recent research suggesting potential therapeutic benefits of psilocybin focus attention on the need to reform drug lawsIt's been a busy fortnight. First the publication of two major peer-reviewed research papers about magic mushrooms that attracted worldwide publicity. Then off to Prague for an international drugs policy symposium. And just last week, news of a large grant for our next collaborative study with Imperial College. But I'm getting ahead of myself.I established the Beckley Foundation some 14 years ago as a think tank on drugs policy. It was apparent even then that the "war on drugs" had failed. A 1997 report by the United Nations Drugs Control Programme put the value of the global trade in illicit drugs at around $400bn. Recent UN figures show that global production of opium (u...

New dose strength launched for Parkinson's drug

Pharmacy Europe — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0100

Orion Pharma launches 175mg dose strength of gold standard treatment Stalevo (Source: Pharmacy Europe)

Invited Commentary on Quality of Care Indicators for the Rehabilitation of Children With Traumatic Brain Injury, and Quality of Care Indicators for the Structure and Organization of Inpatient Rehabilitation Care of Children With Traumatic Brain Injury. - Whyte J.

SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:54:53 +0100

Whyte J. Invited commentary on quality of care indicators for the rehabilitation of children with traumatic brain injury, and quality of care indicators for the structure and organization of inpatient rehabilitation care of children with traumatic brain in... (Source: SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated))

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Quality of Care Indicators for the Rehabilitation of Children With Traumatic Brain Injury. - Rivara FP, Ennis SK, Mangione-Smith R, MacKenzie EJ, Jaffe KM.

SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:54:53 +0100

Rivara FP, Ennis SK, Mangione-Smith R, MacKenzie EJ, Jaffe KM; and the National Expert Panel for the Development of Pediatric Rehabilitation Quality Care Indicators. Quality of Care Indicators for the Rehabilitation of Children With Traumatic Brain Injury.... (Source: SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated))

Quality of Care Indicators for the Structure and Organization of Inpatient Rehabilitation Care of Children With Traumatic Brain Injury. - Zumsteg JM, Ennis SK, Jaffe KM, Mangione-Smith R, MacKenzie EJ, Rivara FP.

SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:54:53 +0100

OBJECTIVES: To develop evidence-based and expert-driven quality indicators for measuring variations in the structure and organization of acute inpatient rehabilitation for children after traumatic brain injury (TBI) and to survey centers across the United ... (Source: SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated))

Distracted driving in elderly and middle-aged drivers. - Thompson KR, Johnson AM, Emerson JL, Dawson JD, Boer ER, Rizzo M.

SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:54:53 +0100

Automobile driving is a safety-critical real-world example of multitasking. A variety of roadway and in-vehicle distracter tasks create information processing loads that compete for the neural resources needed to drive safely. Drivers with mind and brain a... (Source: SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated))

Emerging narrative discourse skills 18 months after traumatic brain injury in early childhood. - Walz NC, Yeates KO, Taylor HG, Stancin T, Wade SL.

SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:54:53 +0100

This study examined the longer term effect of traumatic brain injury (TBI), approximately 18 months post-injury, on emerging narrative discourse skills of 85 children with orthopaedic injury (OI), 43 children with moderate TBI, and 19 children with severe ... (Source: SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated))