bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transient Ischaemic Attack - Obtaining a Differential Diagnosis and Predicting Patient Risk
Authors: Giles Matthew F ,   Consultant Physician, and Geriatrician, John Radcliffe Hospital, and Senior Research Fellow, Stroke Prevention Research Unit, NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford University
Published: June 2015

Transient ischaemic attack (TIA) is common and the total number of TIAs is likely to increase with the ageing of the population. It is a heterogeneous condition with a range of possible presentations, making diagnosis challenging. The differential diagnosis includes other serious conditions, so accurate, early diagnosis is important. The risk of stroke early after TIA has recently been shown to be approximately 5% at seven days and 10–15% at three months, while overall cardiovascular risk is increased in the longer term. The ABCD2score is a prediction tool that can be rapidly applied at the time of presentation and reliably predicts early risk of stroke. The vascular territory, aetiology of TIA and findings on cerebral imaging can also be used to predict early risk of stroke, but the degree of interaction between all these factors is uncertain.
Advances in Treatment Options for High-grade Glioma - Current Status and Future Perspectives
Authors: Merrell Ryan T , Quant Eudocia C , Wen Patrick Y ,   Neuro-oncology Fellow,   Neuro-oncologist,   Neuro-oncologist; Professor of Neurology, and Director, Center for Neuro-oncology, Dana Farber/ Brigham and Women's Cancer Center, and Division of Neuro-oncology, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School
Published: June 2015

High-grade gliomas, including glioblastoma, anaplastic astrocytoma, anaplatic oligodendroglioma and anaplastic oligoastrocytoma, account for the majority of malignant primary brain tumours diagnosed in adults. The prognosis for these tumours is poor despite multimodality therapy with surgery, radiation and/or chemotherapy. This review summarises treatment options for high-grade glioma, including standard regimens, targeted agents and novel therapies.
Disease Progression in Multiple Sclerosis I. Impaired Mobility and Its Impact on Limitations of Activities and Social Participation
Authors: Kesselring Jürg ,   Head, Department of Neurology and Neurorehabilitation, Rehabilitation Centre, Valens, and Professor of Clinical Neurology and Neurorehabilitation, University of Bern and Neuroscience Centre, Zürich
Published: June 2015

Limitations in activities of daily living are important to an individual's life, and the progressive nature of multiple sclerosis (MS) can have a significant impact on the patient's quality of life (QoL). Monitoring low-level limitations of activities during the early stages of MS should be encouraged, as it can indicate advancing neurological damage. Clinical data and survey evidence from numerous research groups suggest that impaired mobility is a large contributory factor to diminished QoL. Although these studies have demonstrated the negative effect of reduced mobility, there remains a substantial need for greater recognition of the presence and effects of disabilities, including reduced mobility, fatigue, pain, depression and spasticity, and the need for targeted treatments for specific impairments. In this review, literature describing the impact on the lives of patient is presented; because of the variability in speed of progression and prognosis with early mobility loss, the need for early, continuous and consistent assessment is suggested.
Disease Progression in Multiple Sclerosis II. Methods for the Determination of Walking Impairment and Its Impact on Activities and Social Participation
Authors: Kesselring Jürg ,   Head, Department of Neurology and Neurorehabilitation, Rehabilitation Centre, Valens, and Professor of Clinical Neurology and Neurorehabilitation, University of Bern and Neuroscience Centre, Zürich
Published: June 2015

Walking ability is a vital component of validated test procedures to assess mobility impairment in multiple sclerosis (MS). The methods used to assess walking ability vary widely between treatment centres, and the accuracy of the methods used and numbers of parameters determined to analyse specific aspects of walking and gait are often limited. The questionnaire- and task-based methods used to assess walking in MS can be divided into different categories. First, there are the general-purpose tests such as the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), the Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite (MSFC), the Family Assessment of Multiple Sclerosis Trial Outcome Index (FAMS-TOI) and the Short Form-36 (SF-36). These, particularly EDSS, are widely used in MS to assess limitations of all activities and social participation, of which walking is only a part. Others, such as SF-36, assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Second, there are methods designed to specifically assess walking or gait, including the timed 25-foot walk (T25FW), the Dynamic Gait Index (DGI), the 12-Item MS Walking Scale (MSWS-12) and the Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT). These test methods require minimal equipment to perform such as a stopwatch, a hallway or a chair, and can be completed at a medical centre in a few minutes. Most of these tests provide reliable and valid data but some lack accurate assessment of gait and some require clinician training. Third, there are tests that specifically measure balance, such as the Berg Balance Test, in which the patient completes a series of balance exercises while being observed. A recent development is the use of accelerometers to monitor MS patients over extended periods; these can provide more accurate data than patient self-report tools. In future, it is likely that more specific tests of walking ability will be more widely used as an important part of MS diagnosis and to more precisely monitor disease progression and assess patient needs.
Cognitive Impairment in Multiple Sclerosis - Recent Advances and Future Prospects
Authors: Langdon Dawn ,   Clinical Neuropsychologist, and Reader in Neuropsychology, Royal Holloway, University of London
Published: June 2015

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is characterised not only by physical disability but also by gradual cognitive impairment. A large proportion of patients exhibit signs of cognitive deficit that negatively affect their quality of life. Reduced processing speed is often seen with the disease and several tests have been developed to measure its severity, including the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT) and the Symbol Digit Modality Test (SDMT). Long-term memory function is also commonly impaired in MS and studies suggest problems in primary registration of information. Also affected are executive functions used in novel planning and problem-solving. To evaluate cognitive function, cognitive test batteries with varying effectiveness have been introduced. The correlation of cognitive performance with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results remains inconsistent as multiple pathologies lead to the observed impairments. Therefore, combinations of MRI data are most successful at predicting deficiencies. The efficacy of current MS treatments in terms of cognition is unclear, making their clinical evaluation a great unmet need; the same is true of universal, validated cognitive measures that can be easily administered to MS patients around the world.
Optical Coherence Tomography - A New Monitoring Tool for Multiple Sclerosis?
Authors: Vermersch Patrick , Outteryck Olivier , Petzold Axel ,   Professor, and Head, Department of Neurology, University of Lille,   Neurologist, Department of Neurology, University of Lille,   Consultant Neurologist, Free University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, and Honorary Senior Lecturer, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University College London Institute of Neurology
Published: June 2015

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a simple office-based measure that can be used to quantify changes in the retina in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Such retinal changes in some MS patient subgroups, as assessed by OCT, are associated with brain atrophy as detected by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). There is also some evidence that changes detected by OCT are correlated with increasing levels of cognitive impairment. OCT in MS patients introduces a new tool to characterise the disease process and could prove beneficial in the assessment of new therapies. It may provide information additional to that produced by MRI. For example, the use of OCT to quantify the retinal nerve fibre layer may offer some advantages by detecting neural degeneration in the MS disease process more quickly, cheaply and specifically than MRI. The latest OCT equipment and software offer high reproducibility and improve accuracy due to eye-tracking and followup scan capabilities.
Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis - Current Treatment Options and Perspectives for the Future
Authors: Rae-Grant Alex , Ontaneda Daniel ,   Neurologist,   Neurology Resident, Mellen Center for Multiple Sclerosis, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic
Published: June 2015

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most prevalent demyelinating condition of the central nervous system and produces significant disability over time. For many years it was considered to be an untreatable disease, but great advances have been made in the treatment of MS in the last 20 years. There are currently six US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved disease-modifying agents for the relapsing form of the disease. We review in detail these medications and the pivotal trials leading to their approval. We will briefly review non-FDA-approved medications already used in MS. We will also discuss some of the medications currently being studied in phase II and III trials that are not yet approved for use in MS.
Niemann-Pick Disease Type C in Adulthood - A Psychiatric and Neurological Disorder
Authors: Walterfang Mark , Velakoulis Dennis ,   Consultant Neuropsychiatrist,   Consultant Neuropsychiatrist, and Director, Neuropsychiatry Unit, Royal Melbourne Hospital and Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, University of Melbourne
Published: June 2015

Niemann-Pick disease type C (NPC) is a rare neurovisceral lipid storage disorder resulting from autosomal recessively inherited loss-of-function mutations in eitherNpc1orNpc2. This disrupts intracellular lipid transport, leading to the accumulation of lipid products in the late endosomes and lysosomes. Affecting both children and adults, it exhibits a less rapid disease course in older patients, where it is characterised by slow cognitive decline, neuropsychiatric illness, ataxia and dystonia. As NPC is heterogeneous in presentation, it is often misdiagnosed as other movement or psychiatric disorders, highlighting the need for better awareness of this disease among clinicians. NPC is a progressive disorder and the only currently available disease-specific drug for its treatment is miglustat, which has shown positive outcomes in clinical studies. While other medications have been tested in animal models with encouraging results, they have yet to be trialled in human subjects.
The Ketogenic Diet in the Treatment of Childhood Epilepsy
Authors: Cross J Helen ,   The Prince of Wales's Chair of Childhood Epilepsy, University College London–Institute of Child Health, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, and the National Centre for Young People with Epilepsy
Published: June 2015

The ketogenic diet has been used for the treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy in childhood for almost 100 years. This aside, it is only over the past decade that renewed interest has led to a further evidence base for efficacy, evaluation of optimal implementation and wider discussion of possible mechanisms of action. Randomised controlled data have now demonstrated the diet to be as effective as any newer anti-epileptic drug (AED) in drug-resistant epilepsy. Implementation can be challenging, and is resource-intensive, but successful use can lead to improved quality of life with most immediate side effects alleviated by dietary manipulation. However, data are still required on the choice of optimal candidates and the role of alternative diets in older children.
Neurostimulation as a Treatment Option for Epilepsy
Authors: Boon Paul , Vonck Kristl ,   Professor of Neurology,   Associate Professor of Neurology, Reference Centre for Refractory Epilepsy, Department of Neurology, Ghent University Hospital
Published: June 2015

Although neurostimulation is not a new treatment modality, it is an emerging treatment for various neurological diseases. Currently available pharmacological and surgical treatments leave about 30% of patients not seizure-free. Electrical stimulation of the 10th cranial nerve or vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is an extracranial type of stimulation that is currently routinely available. Through an implanted device and electrode, electrical pulses are administered to the afferent fibres of the left vagus nerve in the neck. VNS is indicated in patients with refractory epilepsy who are unsuitable candidates for epilepsy surgery or who have had insufficient benefit from such a treatment. Intracerebral neurostimulation requires accessing the intracranial nervous system as stimulation electrodes are inserted into intracerebral targets for deep brain stimulation (DBS) or placed over the cortical convexity for cortical stimulation (CS). Recently, trials with DBS in different intracerebral structures such as the thalamus, the subthalamic nucleus and medial temporal lobe structures have been performed. CS ± DBS in a closed-loop system (responsive neurostimulator system [RNS]) is currently being investigated in a multicentre trial. It is likely that neurostimulation for epilepsy will become a more practical and more widely used treatment modality for patients with refractory epilepsy.
Neuromodulatory Approaches to the Management of Medically Refractory Cluster Headache
Authors: May Arne , Goadsby Peter J ,   Professor of Neurology, Department of Systems Neuroscience, University of Hamburg,   Professor of Neurology, Headache Group, Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco
Published: June 2015

The trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias are a group of primary headache disorders characterised by unilateral trigeminal distribution of pain that occurs in association with ipsilateral cranial autonomic features. The most prominent one is cluster headache, a dreadful disease with excrutiating pain attacks. These attacks last no longer than two hours but may occur several times per day. It is mandatory to find an efficient therapy for these patients, but some are unresponsive to all treatments. In these intractable cases invasive procedures are introduced, but the available evidence (while conflicting) illustrates that trigeminal denervation may not be effective in preventing the headache attacks or autonomic symptoms of chronic cluster headache. Modern neurostimulating approaches, such as stimulation of the greater occipital nerve and hypothalamic deep brain stimulation, supersede neurodestructive procedures. Both stimulation methods are exquisite and potentially lifesaving treatment options in otherwise intractable patients, but they need to be better characterised and further long-term data are needed.
Overview of the New European Federation of Neurological Societies’ Guidelines on Molecular Diagnosis of Neurological Disorders
Authors: Burgunder Jean-Marc , Gasser Thomas , Harbo Hanne F , Finsterer Josef ,   Professor of Experimental Neurology, Department of Neurology, University of Bern,   Professor of Neurology, Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hertie-Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen,   Professor of Neurology, Department of Neurology, Oslo University Hospital, Ullevål and University of Oslo,   Professor of Neurology, Department of Neurology, KA Rudolfstiftung, Vienna and Danube University Krems
Published: June 2015

There has been an explosion of knowledge concerning genetic causation of a number of neurological disorders in the last couple of years since the discovery of the gene mutated in Huntington’s disease almost 20 years ago. This has led to the difficulty of making appropriate choice in the use of genetic testing during the diagnostic procedures in such cases. Therefore the European Federation of Neurological Societies (EFNS) has set up a task force to develop guidelines for the general neurologist, and a new series of largely expanded papers has now been published covering the major areas of the field. In this article, the major suggestions established in these guidelines after systematic review of the evidence at hand and experts reaching a consensus are summarised. Currently, there are a number of instances in which molecular testing is of great practical help; however, some instances remain where the place of such a diagnostic tool is not established.
The WalkAide® Functional Electrical Stimulation System - A Novel Therapeutic Approach For Foot Drop in Central Nervous System Disorders
Authors: Cameron Michelle H ,   Neurologist, Multiple Sclerosis Center of Excellence West, Portland Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Assistant Professor, Department of Neurology, Multiple Sclerosis Center of Oregon, Oregon Health and Science University
Published: June 2015

Foot drop is the inability to voluntarily dorsiflex the ankle during the swing phase of gait. Foot drop decreases gait quality, limits mobility, increases fall risk, and greatly increases energy expenditure during walking. Traditionally, foot drop is treated with passive dorsiflexion support by an ankle foot orthosis (AFO) but today, functional electrical stimulation (FES) devices are available to promote comfortable, effective active dorsiflexion during gait for patients with central nervous system (CNS) causes of foot drop. The WalkAide® FES System’s unique control system, with tilt sensors to trigger electrical stimulation during the swing phase, can help normalise gait and thus optimise safety, cosmesis and energy efficiency in people with stroke, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy and a wide range of other CNS disorders.
Differential Diagnosis of Rapid Progressive Dementia
Authors: Heinemann Uta , Gawinecka Joanna , Schmidt Christian , Zerr Inga ,   Dementia and Prion Research, Department of Neurology, University Medical School, Georg-August University Göttingen,   Dementia and Prion Research, Department of Neurology, University Medical School, Georg-August University Göttingen,   Dementia and Prion Research, Department of Neurology, University Medical School, Georg-August University Göttingen,   Dementia and Prion Research, Department of Neurology, University Medical School, Georg-August University Göttingen
Published: June 2015

There is a broad range of diseases underlying dementia, of which Alzheimer’s disease is the most frequent in senile and pre-senile dementia. While senile dementia is predominantly caused by neurodegenerative or vascular disorders, in early-onset dementia other conditions are more relevant. Autoimmune, metabolic and genetic reasons should be evaluated, as well as toxic causes. A list of mutations associated with dementia is provided in this article. A higher proportion of potentially reversible conditions in pre-senile dementia highlights the value of detailed evaluation. Lumbar puncture is important in the diagnostic process to detect inflammatory changes, but dementia markers such as Aβ1–42 are also helpful in differential diagnosis. The value of cerebrospinal fluid markers for differential diagnosis is discussed in this article.
Clinical and Ethical Issues in Palliative Care and Dementia - An Overview
Authors: Teper Emma L , Hughes Julian C ,   Specialist Registrar in Old Age Psychiatry, Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust,   Consultant in Old Age Psychiatry, and Honorary Professor of Philosophy of Ageing, Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and Institute for Ageing and Health, Newcastle University
Published: June 2015

The prevalence of dementia across Europe and the world is increasing. People die with and from dementia and, as such, advanced dementia can be considered a terminal condition. This, alongside the realisation that care for people with dementia is deficient, has led to increasing interest in palliative care in dementia. Palliative care can be a rather broad term with different meanings, but nonetheless guidelines and expert opinions have been developed with the aim of improving overall care for people with dementia. Although at times the evidence on which these guidelines are based is somewhat sparse, they provide guidance in specific areas relevant to dementia. The main areas covered are pain, infection and fevers, artificial nutrition and hydration, resuscitation and psychological, social and spiritual needs. We shall consider the evidence on which guidance is based and then highlight a recent ethical framework developed to help thinking around the issues that arise in dementia care.
Dyskinesia - Advances in the Understanding of Pathophysiology and Possible Treatment Options
Authors: Lindgren Hanna S , Cenci M Angela , Lane Emma L ,   Postdoctoral Fellow, Brain Repair Group, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University,   Professor of Experimental Medical Science and Head, Basal Ganglia Pathophysiology Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University,   Lecturer in Pharmacology, Welsh School of Pharmacy and Brain Repair Group, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University
Published: June 2015

The degeneration of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson’s disease gives rise to tremor and slowness of movement, cardinal motor symptoms of the disease that can be alleviated by the dopamine precursor L-DOPA. Despite this, long-term L-DOPA treatment is hampered by the development of abnormal involuntary movements, i.e. dyskinesia, in the majority of patients. The pathophysiology of dyskinesia is complex and multifactorial, but excessive swings in extracellular dopamine causing aberrant plasticity in dopaminoceptive neurons are attributed a primary role. To date there are few effective treatment alternatives for patients with Parkinson’s disease experiencing dyskinesia, representing an unmet therapeutic need in the treatment strategy of the disease. This article reviews recent findings from both clinical and pre-clinical studies and their impact on the search for novel therapeutic approaches to levodopa-induced dyskinesia.
Neural Transplantation for the Treatment of Huntington’s Disease
Authors: Barker Roger A , Swain Rachel A ,   Reader in Clinical Neuroscience and Honorary Consultant in Neurology, Addenbrooke’s Hospital,   Research Assistant, Cambridge Centre for Brain Repair, University of Cambridge
Published: June 2015

Neural transplantation studies where foetal striatal tissue is grafted into the striatum of patients with Huntington’s disease have taken place at several sites worldwide in recent years, following success in rodent models of the disease. Studies have for the most part been safe but have had various degrees of effectiveness. This article looks at the successes and failures of these studies and considers what has been learnt in terms of safety, techniques and methodology. While knowledge of the optimal protocol is advancing, there are still many aspects that need refining, such as immunosuppression and grafting technique. Although advances in this field are hampered by the need for more complete knowledge of the disease itself, the future of neural transplantation has a great deal of potential.
The Role of Hypothalamic and Neuroendocrine Changes in the Pathogenesis of Huntington’s Disease - Current Understanding and Implications for Future Treatments
Authors: Petersén åsa ,   Associate Professor, Translational Neuroendocrine Research Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Sciences, Lund University
Published: June 2015

Huntington’s disease (HD) is a hereditary neurodegenerative disorder that leads to premature death. There is no satisfactory treatment or cure. The disease is caused by an expanded CAG repeat in the huntingtin gene. The clinical features are characterised by progressive motor symptoms, including chorea, which currently defines the clinical diagnosis of the disease. The motor aspect of HD is thought to be due to dysfunction and cell loss in the striatum of the basal ganglia. Cognitive impairment and psychiatric disturbances occur early and are major components of the disease. Recent studies have shown that other non-motor symptoms and signs, such as disruption of the circadian rhythm, sleep disturbances, autonomic dysfunction and metabolic changes, are also common and occur early. Several of these non-motor features are likely results of dysfunction of the hypothalamus and neuroendocrine circuits, which are known to be central in the regulation of emotion, sleep and metabolism. Increasing numbers of reports are now redefining HD as a disease with pathology spreading beyond the basal ganglia. This article provides an overview of current knowledge based on recent clinical studies demonstrating that hypothalamic and neuroendocrine changes are important features of HD.
Neuroimaging Advances in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Lulé Dorothée ,   Senior Research Scientist, Section of Neurophysiology, Department of Neurology, University of Ulm
Published: June 2015

The development of non-invasive functional imaging techniques has allowed neuroscientists to investigate the physiological parameters of the clinical features of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a severe neurological disease. Modern neuroimaging techniques enable anatomy and function to be connectedin vivowith an acceptable balance between low patient load and high information capacity, making them ideal for clinical research in patients with physical restrictions, such as those with ALS. Structural imaging techniques in ALS include T1/T2-weighted structural magnetic resonance imaging, diffusion tensor imaging and voxel-based morphometry. Functional neuroimaging enables the acquisition of dynamic cortical function either in a passive (or resting) state or via active paradigms. The main technique used is functional magnetic resonance imaging. Structural and functional neuroimaging has provided evidence of alterations in motor and non-motor cortical pathways in ALS. In the future, neuroimaging may provide early diagnostic criteria to support the clinical diagnosis of ALS, help us to understand the aetiological background of the disease and pave the way for a new viewpoint on the functional capacities of these patients, which may have a major impact on our way of thinking about end-of-life decisions.
Is There an Optimal Management Regimen for Transient Ischaemic Attack Patients to Best Prevent Stroke?
Authors: Chatzikonstantinou Anastasios , Hennerici Michael G ,   Neurologist and Senior Physician,   Professor of Neurology and Chair, Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Mannheim, University of Heidelberg
Published: June 2015

Transient ischaemic attacks (TIAs) are associated with a high risk of subsequent stroke and often pose a diagnostic and treatment challenge. It is important to separate TIAs from stroke as well as from TIA mimics to estimate individual stroke risk early and properly. New definitions and standards of clinical investigations are supportive: clinical parameters as symptom fluctuations, clinical scores (like the ABCD2 score) and advanced magnetic resonance brain imaging in particular. Management should take place in a stroke-specialised centre and consist of rapid assessment and identification of those patients at highest risk for subsequent strokes, including extensive brain and vascular imaging as well as cardiological assessement. Based on these work-up results, best suitable prevention should start immediately, usually consisting of antiplatelet agents, anticoagulation, statins, antihypertensive and/or antidiabetic drugs and lifestyle modifications, including cessation of smoking. Studies have demonstrated that such an optimal management can reduce the risk of stroke following TIA by up to 80%.
Neuroimaging Advances in Stroke Rehabilitation
Authors: Seitz Rüdiger J , Lindenberg Robert , Schlaug Gottfried ,   Professor of Neurology, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Düsseldorf and Biomedical Research Centre, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf,   Instructor in Neurology, Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School and University Hospital Düsseldorf,   Associate Professor of Neurology, Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School
Published: June 2015

Human ischaemic stroke is a multistage disorder with various routes of recovery. Neuroimaging allows researchers to explore the pathophysiology and recovery mechanismsin vivo. Based on these findings, motor recovery and chronic motor impairment after stroke have been linked to structural alterations of grey and white matter as well as functional changes in the perilesional tissue. Parameters derived from diffusion tensor imaging and functional magnetic resonance imaging can be used as surrogate markers of chronic motor impairment and predictors of functional potential for motor recovery. These parameters have the potential to tailor individual rehabilitation and stratify patients for experimental therapy studies such as invasive and non-invasive brain stimulation alone or in combination with other facilitators.
Paraneoplastic Neurologic Syndromes - An Update on Current Understanding and Future Perspectives
Authors: Grisold Wolfgang , Giometto Bruno , Oberndorfer Stefan , Vitaliani Roberta ,   Professor and Clinician, Neurology Department, KFJ Hospital, Medical University of Vienna and Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Neuro-oncology,   Head, Department of Neurology, Ca’ Foncello Hospital, Treviso,   Clinician, Neurology Department, KFJ Hospital, Medical University of Vienna and Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Neuro-oncology,   Consultant, Department of Neurology, Ca’ Foncello Hospital, Treviso
Published: June 2015

Paraneoplastic neurological syndromes (PNS) are remote effects of tumours on the nervous system. They can strike at single or at multiple sites of the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system, and often appear before the detection of cancer. PNS can be disabling and debilitating and may be either an additional burden to cancer or the cause of death. The PNS Euronetwork group has collected a series of approximately 1,000 patients in several European centres. This study is the largest systematic series of patients with PNS and, for the first time, can answer questions about the most frequent PNS, their detailed symptoms, associated antibodies and the types of underlying tumours. The clinical course and laboratory findings for many PNS suggest an autoimmune pathogenesis; however research into this heterogeneous immunological relationship has been evolving over recent decades. The classical syndromes are antigen-target-oriented syndromes such as myasthenia gravis (MG), Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) and ion channelmediated diseases. Onconeuronal antibodies constitute a large group of PNS, characterised by the appearance of specific antibodies, defined clinical signs and often an association with specific tumours. In recent years, a new group of antibodies directed at surface antigens as receptors has been identified. Finally there is a long list of ‘other’ PNS, which are evident to clinicians but which have no pathogenetic explanation. Examples include the mild terminal neuropathies and sarcopoenia in cancer patients. In addition to the emerging classification based on pathophysiology, other new syndromes and symptoms have appeared, including apnoea in brainstem encephalitis, a neuropsychiatric spectrum of limbic encephalitis and increased knowledge about LEMS. Two important aspects warrant attention: some PNS respond to therapy and not all paraneoplastic-like syndromes are tumour related. This view is based on the current understanding of immune pathogenesis and on the enlarged spectrum of PNS.
Autoinjector Improves Injection-related Tolerability Issues in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis - Exploring the New ExtaviJect™ 30G System for the Injection of Interferon Beta-1b
Authors: Kozubski Wojciech ,   Professor of Neurology, Department of Neurology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences
Published: June 2015

Most of the current disease-modifying therapies available for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) are administered by injection. This is a source of fear for many patients and a substantial cause of non-adherence to treatment. Autoinjectors can address this by ensuring that the injection is made at the correct depth and can markedly improve the comfort and tolerability of administration compared with manual syringes. Data from clinical trials support the use of autoinjectors showing that they improve adherence and that smaller gauge needles greatly reduce injection discomfort. As an initiative to improve the tolerability of interferon beta-1b (INFβ-1b) (Extavia®) administration in MS, a new injector system (ExtaviJect 30G™) has been developed that is simple to use and incorporates a narrower needle than is currently used in other injections. A preference survey amongst 200 patients, who had not used the new autoinjector, indicated that it would likely be well received by MS patients and would be easier to use than the currently available autoinjectors.
Alemtuzumab - A New Efficacy Benchmark in Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis?
Authors: Khan Omar A ,   Professor of Neurology and Director, Multiple Sclerosis Clinical Research Center and Image Analysis Laboratory, Department of Neurology, Wayne State University School of Medicine
Published: June 2015

The disease-modifying drugs (DMDs) available for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) have been used effectively for nearly two decades. These treatments delay the neurorodegenerative process, but do not restore lost neurological function. New oral DMDs are becoming available that offer improved convenience over existing injectable DMDs. Recently, several monoclonal antibody treatments have been developed for MS; the furthest developed is alemtuzumab (Campath-1H). In a landmark phase II clinical trial (CAMMS223) on patients with relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS), short cycles of alemtuzumab given at the start, at 12 months and optionally at 24 months, demonstrated superior and sustained efficacy in terms of relapse rates and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings over the comparator compound, interferon beta-1a (IFNβ-1a), which was given subcutaneously and continuously. Most notably, the mean disability score for patients receiving alemtuzumab showed an unprecedented improvement, whereas for IFNβ-1a it deteriorated. Alemtuzumab in treating RRMS is the subject of two ongoing phase III trials, the results of which have the potential to change future treatments and prognoses for many patients.
Early Identification of Clinically Isolated Syndrome - How this is Best Achieved and the Implications for Patient Outcomes
Authors: Pérez-Miralles Francisco C , Palavra Filipe , Montalban Xavier ,   Clinical Neurologist,   Neurology Resident Intern,   Director of Neuroscience and Director, Multiple Sclerosis Centre of Catalonia (CEM-Cat), Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, and Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
Published: June 2015

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evidence for dissemination in space (DIS) and dissemination in time (DIT) are used within the McDonald criteria for the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS). These criteria are complex and in some patients several MRI examinations are needed to achieve an accurate diagnosis. In order to make an earlier diagnosis of clinically definite multiple sclerosis (CDMS) in patients with clinically isolated syndromes (CIS), new criteria have been proposed in which DIS and DIT requirements are simpler, maximising sensitivity and conserving specificity. These data have led to a new proposal of MRI criteria for MS diagnosis. The historical evolution of MS criteria and the new evidence are reviewed in this article.
The Role of Rituximab in the Treatment of Myasthenia Gravis
Authors: Benveniste Olivier , Hilton-Jones David ,   Professor of Internal Medicine, Institute of Myology, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Pierre and Marie Curie University,   Clinical Director, Myasthenia Centre and Muscle and Nerve Centre, Department of Neurology, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford
Published: June 2015

Rituximab, a chimaeric monoclonal antibody against CD20, depletes B cells. It was initially approved for the treatment of B-cell lymphomas, but more recently has been approved for use in rheumatoid arthritis. It has been used extensively ‘off-label’ for the treatment of other autoimmune diseases with some evidence of efficacy, but there remain some as yet unanswered concerns about safety. Myasthenia gravis is the paradigm of an antibody-mediated disorder, and B cells are believed to play a crucial role. This article reviews experience of the efficacy and safety of rituximab in myasthenia gravis and considers predictive factors for the success and failure of rituximab in this disease.
Управление рисками в системах поставок на основе координации
Authors: Яхнеева Ирина Викторовна
Published: June 2015

В статье рассматриваются риски, возникающие в системах поставок вследствие противоречий между субъектами системы. Приведены результаты исследований, демонстрирующие готовность компаний к координации взаимодействия и разработке согласованных стратегий как основы управления рисками в системах поставок.
Построение упрощенных моделей цепей поставок для разработки антирисковых стратегических решений
Authors: Чернядьев Виталий Игоревич
Published: June 2015

В статье рассматривается проблема упрощения моделей цепей поставок для целей формирования портфеля антирисковых стратегических решений. Предлагается процедура, позволяющая уменьшать размерность модели, опираясь на измерение степени информативности отдельных ее подсистем.
От редакции
Authors: Панюкова Вероника Васильевна
Published: June 2015

Редакционная статья
Оценка основных показателей развития торговли. Итоги 2014 года
Authors: Панюкова Вероника Васильевна
Published: June 2015

В статье проанализированы основные статистические данные, характеризующие некоторое замедление развития торговли в 2014 году. Целью статьи является определение основных тенденций развития внутренней торговли, определение факторов, воздействующих на развитие розничной торговли и определение основных направлений развития деятельности торговых организаций в 2015 году. Доказан тезис, что для повышения качества торгового обслуживания необходимо усиление применения программно-целевого регулирования при развитии торговой деятельности.
Частные торговые марки: восприятие, роль и стратегические перспективы развития в современных условиях
Authors: Добони Артем Александрович
Published: June 2015

В статье представлены основные тренды современной экономики в части развития розничного рынка и рынка FMCG-продукции. Обоснована изменившаяся роль крупнейших розничных торговых сетей (ритейлеров) в сегменте реализации FMCG-продукции. Уточнена роль частных торговых марок в стратегии развития крупнейших ритейлеров России. Выявлены основные тенденции развития частных торговых марок как на зарубежных рынках, так и на российском FMCG-рынке. Обоснованы стратегические перспективы развития частных торговых марок в России.
Negative Spillover Impact of Perceptions of Organizational Politics on Work–Family Conflict in China
Authors: Zhu Yanhan , Li Diwan
Published: June 2015

We explored the negative spillover impact of perceptions of organizational politics (POP) on work–family conflict (WFC), by examining the mediating effect of organizational cynicism (OC) on the relationship between POP and WFC. The results from a survey of 495 full-time staff
members in public organizations in Mainland China indicated that POP exerted a significant positive effect on WFC, and that this relationship was mediated by OC. Theoretical and practical implications of our findings are discussed.
The Double-Edged Sword of Task Conflict: Its Impact on Team Performance
Authors: Bang Hojin , Park Jong Gyu
Published: June 2015

We investigated the relationship between task conflict and team performance, taking into account the interaction effects of job demand. Participants were 5,579 employees in 153 teams at a South Korean manufacturing company. We found a statistically significant curvilinear relationship
between task conflict and actual team performance; however, the relationship between task conflict and perceived team performance was negative and linear. Through response surface analysis, we also found that task conflict positively predicted actual team performance when job demand was high,
whereas it had a negative effect when job demand was low. We performed response surface analysis of the results of polynomial regression, because we had speculated that those relationships could be essentially curvilinear. However, results showed no interaction effect of task conflict and
job demand in predicting perceived team performance. Thus, task conflict may function as a double-edged sword in terms of team performance.
The Effectiveness of a Meaning-Centered Psychoeducational Group Intervention for Chinese College Students
Authors: Cheng Mingming , Hasche Leslie , Huang Haitao , Su Xiqing Susan
Published: June 2015

Using a sample of 66 Chinese college students, we measured the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of a meaning-centered psychoeducational group intervention in increasing the level of their psychological well-being. The students were assigned to either a control or an intervention
group, and those in the intervention group attended 9 weekly meaning-centered psychoeducational sessions. All participants completed baseline, posttest, and 3-month follow-up tests to compare the level of psychological well-being of the intervention and control groups. With the exception of
the life enjoyment dimension in the Chinese Sources of Meaning in Life Scale (CSMLS), the scores of the intervention group differed significantly from the control group between the baseline and the posttest, and for the subscales of depression and sense of adequacy (General Health Questionnaire),
search for meaning (Meaning in Life Questionnaire), and the dimensions of social concern, personal growth, and harmonious relationships (CSMLS), the scores at the follow-up test time indicated the effectiveness of the group intervention. These findings highlight the effectiveness of a meaning-centered
group intervention in improving college students' psychological well-being and positive perception of meaning in life.
Career Plateau and Turnover Intention in Chinese Employees: Career Anchor as Moderator
Authors: Wen Yueran , Liu Liu
Published: June 2015

Based on a survey of 147 Chinese employees, we examined the relationship between perceived career plateau and turnover intention, and the moderating role of career anchor in challenge in this process. We hypothesized that perceived career plateau would be positively related to turnover
intention, and that this relationship would be stronger in employees with a higher level of career anchor in challenge than in those with a lower level. The results showed that perceived career plateau had a strong positive relationship with turnover intention, especially in employees with
a high level of career anchor in challenge. These findings have implications for research in career development and turnover intention, as well as in management practices.
Integrating Certainty Effect and Noninteractive Social Influence Into Impulse Buying
Authors: Chuang Chun-Ling , Tian Hong-Lin , Lin Rong-Ho
Published: June 2015

We integrated certainty effect and noninteractive social influence into impulse buying, and explored the relationships between impulse buying tendency and intention in regard to the impacts of certainty effect and social influence. We selected 2 certainty effects (1-phase and 2-phase
discounts) and 3 social influences (number, proximity, and strength) that stimulate consumers' impulse buying intention for a unique product. The participants were 416 students at 5 universities in northern Taiwan. Results of structural equation modeling indicated that impulse buying tendency
positively influenced impulse buying intention in terms of certainty effects and social influences; there was a positive relationship between certainty effects and social influences in impulse buying intention; the students preferred 2-phase to 1-phase discounts; and, in descending order,
the social influences of strength, number, and proximity impacted impulse buying intention. We concluded that marketers can use certainty effects and noninteractive social influences to stimulate consumers' buying intention.
Chinese College Students' Risk Attitude to Moving Abroad to Study
Authors: Yang Xiaolan
Published: June 2015

My purpose in this study was to investigate the effect of risk attitude on the decision to study abroad. Participants were 211 Chinese undergraduate students who were followed throughout their 4-year college career. Risk attitude was measured in the 3rd year and information about moving
abroad for further study was collected in the 4th year. The degree of risk aversion was higher for students who stayed in the home country than it was for students who moved abroad. Among students who moved abroad, those who were more willing to take risks moved over a greater cultural distance
than did those less willing to take risks. Income, gender, attainment, and hometown location did not play a significant role in the probability of studying abroad.
The Role of Causal Attributions in Sport Consumers' Emotions and Satisfaction Judgment
Authors: Kim Jun Woo , Jeong Seung Hoon
Published: June 2015

We examined the role of causal attributions of sport consumers in the formation of emotions and satisfaction judgment. Participants were 165 students at a large university in the southeastern United States. Through a series of hierarchical regression analyses, their attribution processes
were found to be an important antecedent of their consumption emotions. Specifically, internal causes that related to the game outcome (e.g., internal control and stability) had a significant positive impact on their feelings of pride and a significant negative effect on their shame, whereas
external control had a significant positive impact on their anger and a significant negative effect on their feelings of gratitude. Thus, both internal control and stability appeared to be the most influential causal attribution dimensions in predicting consumer satisfaction with the outcome
of a game. From a practical perspective, marketing campaigns emphasizing a sporting team's season-long stability may enhance sport consumers' satisfaction.
Social Facets of Knowledge Creation: The Validation of Knowledge Assets
Authors: Chung Jee Yong , Yoon Woojin
Published: June 2015

In this study we discussed the construct validity of knowledge asset measurement models by focusing on the adequacy of theoretical content. The importance of an organization's role as a social community in creating knowledge assets has not been adequately addressed in existing organizational
knowledge asset measurement models. This social aspect of an organization manifests itself in the knowledge conversion process through which various knowledge inputs are transformed into organizational knowledge assets. We suggested that, from the organizational learning and dynamic capability
perspective, the construct of knowledge assets should cover the organization's learning capability, accumulated through social interaction within and outside the organizational boundary. In our proposed model, social capital provides an infrastructure for knowledge creation, and learning capability
measured knowledge creation and exchange activities. Indicators of social capital and learning capability are suggested, and implications and limitations of this study are discussed.