bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Regularity of Hausdorff measure function for conformal dynamical systems
Authors: URBAŃSKI MARIUSZ , ZDUNIK ANNA 
Published: February 2016

AbstractWe deal with the question of continuity of numerical values of Hausdorff measures in parametrised families of linear (similarity) and conformal dynamical systems by developing the pioneering work of Lars Olsen and the work [SUZ]. We prove Hölder continuity of the function ascribing to a parameter the numerical value of the Hausdorff measure of either the corresponding limit set or the corresponding Julia set. We consider three cases. Firstly, we consider the case of parametrised families of conformal iterated function systems in $\mathbb{R}$k with k ⩾ 3. Secondly, we consider all linear iterated function systems consisting of similarities in $\mathbb{R}$k with k ⩾ 1. In either of these two cases, the strong separation condition is assumed. In the latter case the Hölder exponent obtained is equal to 1/2. Thirdly, we prove such Hölder continuity for analytic families of conformal expanding repellers in the complex plane $\mathbb{C}$. Furthermore, we prove the Hausdorff measure function to be piecewise real–analytic for families of naturally parametrised linear IFSs in $\mathbb{R}$ satisfying the strong separation condition. On the other hand, we also give an example of a family of linear IFSs in $\mathbb{R}$ for which this function is not even differentiable at some parameters.
Difficulty Recalling People's Names
Authors: Fisher C.M. 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACT:Background:Difficulty recalling people's names is common in the adult population, especially in the elderly. The subject is scarcely mentioned in the literature. An 82-year-old patient gave the history that for 33 years he had made prospective observations on his own difficulty with people's names.Methods:Documentation and analysis of the patient's personal observations in which his ability to recall the names of friends, acquaintances, colleagues, public figures, movie stars and athletes is compared with that of his spouse. A suitable test-battery for the names of famous North American persons was not available.Results:The patient's capability in recalling people's names was clearly inferior to that of his spouse. The patient's intellect was otherwise intact and the impairment seemed to be isolated to the category of proper-naming. Doubts were raised about the patient's own conclusion that the deficit was progressive.Conclusions:A parallel may be drawn between benign difficulty recalling people's names and the acquired categorical deficit for proper naming reported in the literature in recent years. Based on Damasio's concept of anatomically compartmentalized sensory subsystems, it is hypothesized that our patient's symptom represents an innate limited capacity for proper naming.
A Randomized, Controlled Trial of Linopirdine in the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Rockwood Kenneth , Beattie B. Lynn , Eastwood M. Robin , Feldman Howard , Mohr Erich , Pryse-Phillips William , Gauthier Serge 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACT:Objectives:We tested the efficacy and safety of linopirdine, a novel phenylindolinone, in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.Methods:A multicentre, randomized, double-blind, parallel group, placebo-controlled trial of linopirdine (30 mg three times per day or placebo). Patients (n = 382, 55% male, 98% Caucasian, age range 51-95 years) with mild or moderate Alzheimer's disease, of whom 375 received at least one treatment dose were analysed. There were no important differences between the groups at baseline.Results:No difference was seen in Clinical Global Impression scores between patients receiving placebo and those receiving linopirdine (n = 189). Small differences in the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subscale (ADAS-Cog) scores were seen throughout the study favouring linopirdine; at 6 months the ADAS-Cog scores were 20.2 (linopirdine) and 22.1 (placebo) p = 0.01.Conclusions:This trial did not detect clinically meaningful differences in patients receiving linopirdine for 6 months, despite evidence of a small degree of improved cognitive function. Further studies may benefit from more sensitive tests of treatment effects in Alzheimer's disease.
Parkinsonian Syndrome as a Neurological Manifestation of Behcet's Disease
Authors: Bogdanova D. , Milanov I. , Georgiev D. 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACT:Background:The central nervous system is often involved in Behcet's disease. Most common are meningoencephalitic and brain stem syndromes. Although basal ganglia involvement is not an uncommon finding on necropsy, there are only single reports on extrapyramidal syndromes-dyskinesia, chorea and Parkinsonism in patients with Behcet's disease.Case study:We report a patient fulfilling the criteria of the International Study Group for Behcet's disease. He had recurrent oral ulcerations, bilateral posterior uveitis and retinal vasculitis, skin papules and pustules, and recurrent monoarthritis. Neurologic examination revealed pseudobulbar palsy, slight and asymmetric bilateral pyramidal syndrome, muscle rigidity involving the four limbs, bradykinesia, masked face, and impaired postural reflexes. There was postural tremor in the extremities and myoclonic jerks involving the tongue and face muscles. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated small bilateral multifocal hyperintense lesions, with right predilection, involving the periventricular white matter, brain stem and basal ganglia.Conclusions:The Parkinsonian syndrome found in our patient might be due to involvement of both substantia nigra and basal ganglia. This case further emphasizes the wide spectrum of the neurological manifestations of Behcet's disease
A 21 Point Unifying Hypothesis on the Etiology and Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Weiner Howard L. 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACT:Multiple sclerosis (MS) is postulated to be a cell mediated autoimmune disease directed against central nervous system myelin components. Our understanding of the disease has been enhanced by a number of factors: 1) advances in our understanding of the immune system; 2) clinical trials which are beginning to identify treatments which can affect MS; 3) a better understanding of the clinical features of MS; and 4) advances in MRI imaging of the brain. Based on the current state of knowledge, this paper proposes a 21 point unifying hypothesis on the etiology and treatment of the disease. This hypothesis makes a series of assumptions, many of which are unproven, and is presented as a framework from which to investigate and treat the disease, not as a established biology. It is hypothesized that the underlying pathogenesis of MS is related to an inappropriate class of immune response against myelin antigens favoring proinflammatory Th1 versus anti-inflammatory Th2 or Th3 type responses. Environmental and genetic factors predispose toward MS by affecting the class of response and effectiveness of treatment is also related to how it impacts on this common final pathway. Because of epitope spreading, there is not one autoantigen involved in MS and the progressive form of MS differs immunologically from the relapsing remitting form. Viruses trigger and perpetuate MS, although MS is not related to a persistent viral infection. Because MS is a multifactorial disease, there are clinical and perhaps immunological subtypes of MS and a single type of treatment is unlikely to control the disease in all patients. Thus, there will be responders and non-responders to each effective therapy and ultimately combination therapy will be required to cure the disease.
Hemorrhagic Necrotic Schwannoma Presenting as Purulent Meningitis
Authors: Onyiuke H.C. , McLean A. , Schwartz M. , Louie M. , Ang L.C. 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACT:Background:Intracranial schwannoma involving the XIIth cranial nerve is rare. We report an unusual clinical presentation and pathological verification of a schwannoma, which had become haemorrhagic and necrotic, simulating acute purulent meningitis.Methods:A literature review of intracranial tumors presenting as acute purulent meningitis, with emphasis on schwannomas, was undertaken.Results:Few cases of hypoglossal schwannoma have been reported; the association with purulent meningitis has not been previously documented.Conclusion:In patients presenting with sterile purulent meningitis, a necrotic tumor should be considered as a possible etiology.
Congenital Entrapment of the Lateral Cutaneous Nerve of the Calf Presenting as a Peroneal Sensory Neuropathy
Authors: Hackam Daniel G. , Zwimpfer Thomas J. 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACT:Objective:Presentation of an unusual case of congenital entrapment of the lateral cutaneous nerve of the calf (LCNC) mimicking a peroneal sensory neuropathy.Methods:We report the case of a 16-year-old girl with a 3 year history of progressive tingling, numbness and pain in her right calf precipitated by athletic activities involving repeated flexion and extension of the knee. A Tinel's sign was present over the common peroneal nerve in the distal popliteal fossa but absent at the fibular neck. Motor and sensory examination of the common peroneal nerve was normal as were electrophysiological studies and MRI.Results:At surgery, the LCNC, a sensory branch of the common peroneal nerve, was entrapped at a point where it pierced the tendon of the biceps femoris muscle. Transection of the part of the tendon overlying the LCNC resulted in complete and permanent relief of symptoms.Significance and Conclusion:The proximal location of the Tinel's sign, absence of motor or sensory deficits and normal electrophysiology suggested, preoperatively, that this was not an entrapment of the common peroneal nerve at the fibular neck but rather a more proximal abnormality likely involving only a part of the peroneal nerve or one of its sensory branches. As a result, more proximal exposure of the peroneal nerve within the popliteal fossa revealed entrapment of the LCNC due to its anomalous course through the biceps femoris tendon. This case has two noteworthy features. It is a unique example of an entrapment neuropathy of the common peroneal nerve or one of its branches, due to a normal nerve piercing an otherwise normal tendon. Secondly, there are no previously reported cases of surgically documented compression of the LCNC in an otherwise normal patient (i.e., non-diabetic).
Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Acoustic Neuroma: A Canadian Perspective
Authors: Ross Ian B. , Tator Charles H. 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACT:Stereotactically delivered radiation is now an accepted treatment for patients with acoustic neuroma. In some cases, patient preference may be the reason for its selection, while in others neurosurgeons may select it for patients who are elderly or have significant risk factors for conventional surgery. The majority of patients with acoustic neuroma treatment with stereotactic radiosurgery have been treated with the Gamma Knife, with follow ups of over 25 years in some instances. Other radiosurgical modalities utilizing the linear accelerator have been developed and appear promising, but there is no long-term follow up. Canada does not possess a Gamma Knife facility, and its government-funded hospital and medical insurance agencies have made it difficult for patients to obtain reimbursement for Gamma Knife treatments in other countries. We review the literature to date on the various forms of radiation treatment for acoustic neuroma and discuss the current issues facing physicians and patients in Canada who wish to obtain their treatment of choice.
Efficacy of Topiramate
Authors: Bruni J. 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACT:In controlled clinical trials, topiramate (TopamaxR) has demonstrated efficacy in refractory patients with complex partial seizures and secondarily generalized tonic-clonic seizures. Approximately 45 percent of 534 patients had a ≥ 50 percent reduction in seizure frequency. Limited open label trials have shown that topiramate has broad spectrum activity and may be effective in patients with primary generalized epilepsies. The efficacy of topiramate compares very favourably with the efficacy of other new antiepileptic drugs recently introduced.
Using Topiramate in Patients with Epilepsy: Practical Aspects
Authors: Sander J.W.A.S. 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACT:Clinical trials are important in determining the relative efficacy and safety of a new antiepileptic drug (AED); however, experience acquired in clinical practice will eventually determine its position in the antiepileptic armamentarium. Topiramate (TPM), a new AED has been available in the United Kingdom since mid-1995 and a considerable number of patients have being treated. As a result of this experience, a number of changes have being made in the way TPM is used, particularly in the starting doses and titration rates. This seems to have improved patients' tolerability of treatment, an important consideration if a drug is to be used to its optimum level. In this article, practical tips for the use of TPM are given and these include starting doses, titration rates, options for managing side effects occurring early in treatment, advice concerning the withdrawal of concomitant AEDs and indications for discontinuation of TPM. The need for adequate patient counseling regarding potential side effects and expectations of treatment is also reviewed.
Monotherapy or Polytherapy for Epilepsy?
Authors: Guberman Alan 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACT:Monotherapy has been promoted as the ideal in epilepsy treatment because of reduced side effects, absence of drug interactions, better compliance, lower cost and, in many cases, improved seizure control compared to polytherapy. The question of monotherapy vs. polytherapy has assumed increasing importance with the availability of multiple new antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), initially tested as add-on agents. The new drugs clobazam, lamotrigine, vigabatrin, gabapentin and topiramate, have also been shown to be effective as monotherapy. These data bring up the possibility of using them as first-line agents. However, a high percentage of patients with resistant epilepsy are treated with polytherapy, which probably benefits only a minority of them. The availability of multiple drugs with different mechanisms of action favours the possibility of "rational polytherapy", taking advantage of possible synergism, a yet unproven concept. This article reviews the theoretical advantages of monotherapy and monotherapy with traditional and newer AEDs.
The Efficacy of Retrograde Infusion with LY231617 in a Rat Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion Model
Authors: Inoue Nobuhiro , Yamamoto Y. Lucas , Ito Yasushi , Clemens James A. , Panetta Jill K. , Diksic Mirko 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBackground and Purpose: We examined the efficacy of the antioxidant LY231617 administered five hours following middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion in rats. Methods: The treatment was contrived for a two hour interval. Group A (n=16) was left untreated. Group B (n=16) received an intravenous infusion of LY231617. Group C (n=6) received saline (86 μI/min) by retrograde infusion of the cerebral vein (RICV). Group D (n=22) was administered LY231617 (10mg/kg/2hr) in saline (86μI/min) by RICV. Local cerebral blood flow with [14C]-iodoantipyrine and blood-brain transfer constant with 14C-α-amino-isobutyric acid were examined. Early ischemic damage was histologically examined with cresyl violet and Luxol fast blue and with triphenyl-tetrazolium chloride. Results: The results revealed a marked increase in local cerebral blood flow (over 600%, p < 0.01) after RICV with LY231617, with a significant improvement of BBB permeability in rats from group D. Ischemic brain damage measured with Luxol fast blue and triphenyl-tetrazolium chloride methods showed a significant improvement (50-91 %) of ischemic damage in group D, as compared to groups B and C. Conclusion: Retrograde infusion of the cerebral vein with LY231617 resulted in a significant amelioration at seven hours post MCA occlusion.
Periodontoid Synovial Cyst Causing Cervico-medullary Compression
Authors: Kaufmann Anthony M. , Halliday William C. , West Michael , Fewer Derek , Ross Ian 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBackground: Periodontoid synovial cysts are rare lesions which may produce symptomatic cervico-medullary compression. Method: We report such a patient, whose progressive neurological deterioration required surgical treatment by transoral odontoidectomy and decompression. Results: The diagnostic and theraputic interventions are described, including a lumbar puncture which precipitated a transient loss of consciousness and respiratory arrest. Surgery achieved clinical improvement, without complications or need for operative stablization. Detailed neuropathology is presented, as well as a literature review. Conclusion: Appropriate neuroradiological assessment is required in patients with suspected cervico-medullary compression, and symptomatic periodontoid synovial cysts may respond well to transoral surgical decompression.
Epidemiology of Childhood Brain Tumors
Authors: Miltenburg Dartene , Louw Deon F. , Sutherland Garnette R. 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACT:Background: Brain tumors comprise more than 20% of all childhood malignancies, and constitute the greatest number of solid pediatric cancers. Incidence rates reported have varied from 2.4 to 3.5/100, 000 children, reflecting the impact of modern imaging techniques, the application of diverse investigative methodologies, and the accessibility of the community to health care. Methods: Material from patients < 18 years of age was collated from the Manitoba Cancer Foundation Tumor Registry, the personal records of Winnipeg pediatric neurologists, and autopsy data. Patient data were also obtained from hospital charts and operating room log books. Histological sections were examined and classified according to the American Cancer Society by a single neuropathologist. The chi-square test was used for statistical evaluation. Results: During the seven-year study period, the diagnosis of brain tumor was made in 89 pediatric patients, of which 88 were diagnosed premortem. The overall average annual incidence rate for both sexes was 4.03/100, 000 child-years, higher than that previously reported. The male and female average annual incidence rates were 4.2 and 3.7/100, 000 child-years, respectively. Tumor type and location were relatively unremarkable, with an expected peak of medulloblastoma occurring in young males. The yearly incidence of tumor occurrence was fairly stable, and the geographic distribution of cases within Manitoba, homogeneous. Conclusion: The highest incidence rates of pediatric brain tumors have been recorded in countries possessing sophisticated universal health care systems, possibly reflecting their efficacy in disease surveillance.
Kinematics of Initiating a Two-Joint Arm Movement in Patients with Cerebellar Ataxia
Authors: Massaquoi Steve , Hallett Mark 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACT:Objective:To characterize kinematically any systematic aberration in multi-joint movements in cerebellar ataxia.Methods:Nine patients with cerebellar degeneration and nine normal subjects, mobile only at the shoulder and elbow of the right arm, were required to produce left-to-right cross-body linear hand trajectories on the horizontal surface of a digitizing tablet. Nonlinearity indicated failure of precise coordination of the two joints. A wide range of hand speeds was studied. Data analysis was restricted primarily to the first 130 ms of movement.Results:As hand velocities increased, normal subjects and, especially, patients produced misdirected, curved paths. Normal subjects had significant curvature when peak speeds exceeded 100 cm/s and a trend toward significant bi-directional angular deviation at velocities greater than 300 cm/s. In patients, peak path curvature was significantly greater than normal at peak velocities of 50 to 200 cm/s. By 3.3 cm, their paths deviated significantly outward at all but the slowest speeds. Overall, patients’ maximal hand velocities and shoulder angular velocities, as well as maximal angular accelerations at both joints, were significantly lower than normal.Conclusions:The patients’ trajectory aberrations were attributed to a deficient rate of rotation at the shoulder relative to that at the elbow. Relative to task requirements, their rate of torque development was apparently deficient at both joints, but to a greater degree at the shoulder. Joint torque-rate impairment may contribute to the ataxia in both multi- and single-joint movements of patients with cerebellar disorders. A similar, but smaller impairment may produce milder nonlinearity in high-velocity movements of normal subjects.
Prior Intra-operative Hypotension is not a Risk Factor for Development of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Bohnen N.I. , Wijdicks E.F.M. , Kokmen E. , Warner M.A. , Kurland L.T. 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACT:Objective:A retrospective, population-based, case-control study was carried out to evaluate episodes of prior intra-operative hypotension as a potential risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD).Methods:Patients were all incident cases of AD from 1975–1984 who resided for 40 years or more in Olmsted County prior to their onset of dementia (N = 252). One age and gender-matched control for each case was selected from all registrations for care at Mayo Clinic during the year of onset in the incident case. Each case and control group had 252 individuals.Results:Of these, 27 cases and 32 controls had at least one ten minute or longer episode of intra-operative hypotension of a systolic blood pressure of less than 90 mm Hg prior to the year of onset of dementia in the matched AD patient. We did not find a significantly increased risk of AD for hypotensive episodes of less than 75 or 90 mm Hg.Conclusions:It is unlikely that intra-operative hypotensive events of this degree increase the risk of AD.
Protein Kinase C and Growth Regulation of Malignant Gliomas
Authors: Baltuch Gordon H. , Dooley Nora P. , Villemure Jean-Guy , Yong Voon Wee 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThis article reviews the role of the signal transduction enzyme protein kinase C in the regulation of growth of malignant gliomas, and describes how targetting this enzyme clinically can provide a novel approach to glioma therapy.
Long Term Exposure to Manganese in Rural Well Water Has No Neurological Effects
Authors: Vieregge P. , Heinzow B. , Korf G. , Teichert H.-M. , Schleifenbaum P. , Mösinger H.-U. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBackgroundThere is debate on the neurological impact of chronic exposure to Manganese (MN).MethodsMN burden from rural well water was studied cross-sectionally in two proband cohorts from rural dwellings located in northern Germany. Both cohorts had exposure times for up to 40 years and were separated on the basis of well water MN content. Group A (41 subjects; mean age 57.5 years) was exposed to MN water contents of at least 0.300 mg/l (range 0.300 to 2.160), while group B (74 subjects; mean age 56.9 years) was exposed to concentrations of less than 0.050 mg/1. Both proband groups were homogenous with regard to age, sex, nutritional habits, and drug intake. Neurological assessments by clinical investigators blinded for proband’s exposure status was done using structured questionnaires, standardized neurological examination with assessment of possible Parkinsonian signs by the Columbia University Rating Scale, and instrumental tests of fine motor coordination.ResultsNo significant difference in any neurological measure was found between groups. Results were not confounded by demographic and dietary features.ConclusionExposure to high body burden of MN does not result in detectable neurological impairment. Exposure to MN in drinking water does not seem to be a risk factor for idiopathic Parkinson’s disease.