bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Screening for Major Depression in the Early Stages of Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Sullivan Michael J.L. , Weinshenker Brian , Mikail Samuel , Bishop Scott R. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBackgroundMultiple Sclerosis (MS) is associated with a high risk of developing major depression, but depression in MS patients frequently goes undetected and untreated. The current study examined the clinical utility of the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) as a screening measure for major depression in newly diagnosed MS patients.MethodsForty-six new referrals to an MS clinic completed the BDI and participated in a structured interview for major depression, within 2 months of the diagnosis of MS.ResultsAccording to DSM-III-R criteria, 40% of patients were diagnosed with major depression, 22% had adjustment disorder with depressed mood, and 37% showed no evidence of mood disorder. Sensitivity and specificity values, and positive and negative predictive values are reported for every BDI cut-off score between 9 and 21.ConclusionsA BDI cut-off score of 13 (sensitivity = .71, specificity = .79) is recommended as optimal for use in screening for major depression in newly diagnosed MS patients. The use of the BDI as a screening measure for major depression must proceed with caution given that a cut-off score of 13 still yielded a false-negative rate of 30%.
Cholinergic Mechanisms in Generalized Seizures: Importance of the Zona Incerta
Authors: Brudzynski Stefan M. , Cruickshank James W. , McLachlan Richard S. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractObjective:Stimulation of the central cholinergic system results in generalized epileptic seizures. The goal of this study was to map the epileptogenic effects of the cholinergic agonist, carbachol injected into different sites of the basal forebrain and diencephalon of the rat brain.Methods:Carbachol was injected directly into the brain in a dose of 1 or 3 (jg. Seizures were assessed behaviourally on a five-stage scale with electroencephalographic controls. Seizures at stage 1 were the least severe and those at stage 5 the most severe.Results:Injections of high dose carbachol (3 (jg) induced seizures from 40% of all injected brain sites. Injections of low dose carbachol (1 ug) or isotonic saline into the same brain sites did not cause any behavioural or electrographic seizures. The majority of sites (84%) producing generalized seizures (stage 5) were concentrated in or around the zona incerta.Conclusions:Within the anatomical limits of the study, the zona incerta is the area most sensitive to carbachol-induced generalized seizures.
Preparatory Postural Adjustments in Parkinsonian Patients with Postural Instability
Authors: Lee Robert G. , Tonolli Ida , Viallet Francois , Aurenty Roslyn , Massion Jean 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBackground:Postural instability is a common problem in patients with Parkinson’s disease. This paper reports results of a study undertaken to investigate some of the possible mechanisms responsible for this instability.Methods:Preparatory postural adjustments associated with a lateral leg raising task were studied in five parkinsonian patients and four age-matched controls. Recordings included ground reaction forces, kinematics, and surgace EMG activity from multiple leg muscles.Results:In normal subjects there was a well-defined sequence of events preceding the onset of leg elevation, beginning with a transfer of centre of foot pressure (CP), initially toward the moving leg and then back to the support side, followed by displacement of the trunk toward the support side. In the more severely affected parkinsonian patients, the amplitude of the the initial displacement of CP was markedly reduced. The interval between the earliest force changes and the onset of leg elevation was prolonged and the relative timing of the kenematic adjustments during this interval was disrupted. In addition the alternating burst and periods of inhibition observed in the EMG recordings from the normal subjects were replaced by continuous tonic EMG activity.Conclusions:These observations suggest that abnormalities in programming preparatory postural adjustments may contribute to postural instability in some patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease.
Myoclonic-like Finger Microdisplacements in Patients With Cerebellar Deficits
Authors: Beuter Anne , Milton John G. , Labrie Christiane , Black Deborah 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBackground:Here we assess the ability of patients with cerebellar disease to execute a simple visually-guided movement task involving tracking of a target with the index finger.Methods:Spontaneous microdisplacements in index finger position are compared in patients with cerebellar deficits (ischemia [n = 3], multiple sclerosis [n = 3], degenerative cerebellar disease [n = 3]) and age-matched healthy subjects. Subjects were required to maintain a constant finger position relative to a stationary baseline displayed on an oscilloscope.Results:Unusual transient abrupt movements (saccadic or myoclonic-like) directed with or against gravity were seen in patients whose neurological deficits were the most severe (7/9 patients). These abrupt myoclonic-like movements occurred independently of visual input, were not associated with clinically observable myoclonus, and were not detected previously in patients with Parkinson’s disease. These abrupt myoclonic-like movements were not associated with abnormalities in either physiological tremor, or oscillations in finger microdisplacements induced by insertion of a delay (300–1400 ms) into the visual feedback of this finger “holding” experiment. An unexpected finding is that the results obtained for patients with cerebellar deficits by insertion of an experimental delay are not significantly different from those obtained with their age-matched controls.Conclusions:These observations suggest that abrupt myoclonic-like movements are a characteristic abnormality of patients with a variety of cerebellar deficits and emphasize the value of this simple motor tracking task for characterizing movement disorders.
Delayed Myelopathy After Trivial Neck Injury in a Patient With a Cervical Neurenteric Cyst
Authors: Midha Rajiv , Gray Bruce , Becker Laurence , Drake James 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBackground:Neurenteric cysts are rare spinal lesions of congenital origin. They usually present insidiously with a long history of local spinal pain, radiculopathy and myelopathy. We report a 14-year-old male with a high cervical neurenteric cyst who developed a progressive myelopathy after minor neck trauma. Full recovery followed a partial cyst excision and decompressive procedure.Significance and conclusion:The possible pathogenic mechanisms for this unusual presentation include hemorrhage into the cyst, sudden mechanical compression from abnormal spinal movement of a chronically distorted and compressed spinal cord, or an increase in the size of the cyst secondary to accumulation of cyst fluid. In this case a small increase in the cyst size may have resulted in increased mechanical distortion and spinal cord dysfunction on a compressive and ischemic basis.
Electrical Stimulation of the Human Descending Motor Tracts at Several Levels
Authors: Ugawa Yoshikazu , Genba-Shimizu Kieko , Kanazawa Ichiro 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACT:The descending motor tracts were activated using a high voltage electrical stimulation technique at four levels: the motor cortex, brainstem (around the pyramidal decussation), and the first and sixth thoracic vertebral levels (Tl, T6). Electromyographic activity was recorded from the tibialis anterior or extensor digitorum brevis muscles. Consistent motor action potentials could be evoked in all normal subjects. The conduction velocity of the descending tracts was estimated to be 62 to 79 m/s. The sum of synaptic delay and utilization time at the motoneurons (spinal delay time) was estimated to be 0.5 ± 0.3 ms indicating a mono- or oligosynaptic connection. In patients with diffusely affected descending tracts, the technique showed slowed conduction along the descending tracts and prolonged spinal delay time which may include the time required for temporal summation of excitatory postsynaptic potentials as well as synaptic delay and utilization time. In patients with a localized lesion, localized conduction delay was found at the appropriate segment.
The Prognosis and Treatment of Headaches in Children – a Ten Year Follow-up
Authors: Dooley Joseph , Bagnell Alexa 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACT:The prognosis and methods of treating headaches were studied in a group of children, 10 years after their initial diagnosis in 1983. Follow-up was achieved for 77 patients (81%). Headaches persisted in 72.7% but were much improved in 81.3%. Medication use was uncommon, with non-prescription medications used by 30.3% and prescription medications by only two. These data suggest that although childhood onset headaches are likely to persist, children who receive early education regarding the use of non-pharmaceutical methods of headache control appear to rely on these methods even after an interval of 10 years.
Canadian Guidelines for the Development of Antidementia Therapies: a Conceptual Summary
Authors: Mohr Erich , Feldman Howard , Gauthier Serge 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACT:The magnitude of the problems faced by Canadian society as a result of an aging population has been identified. Perhaps the most important concern related to this greying of Canada is the increasing incidence of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Therapeutic options for these disorders have been limited to date. Advances in biotechnology and molecular biology will offer novel approaches to treatment. These and the expansion of more traditional therapeutic avenues require guidelines with the aim of optimizing their development.
Striatonigral Degeneration: Iron Deposition in Putamen Correlates with the Slit-like Void Signal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Lang Anthony E. , Curran Terry , Provias John , Bergeron Catherine 
Published: February 2016

Abstract:We report three patients with striatonigral degeneration highlighting the correlation between magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and the pathological changes. The “slit-like void signal” observed in the putamen is typical of striatonigral degeneration and can be used to assist diagnosis during life. Our histochemical studies support the concept that increased iron deposition in the putamen is responsible for this MRI picture.
Neuropsychological Functioning in Unilateral Cerebellar Damage
Authors: Botez-Marquard Thérèse , Léveillé Jean , Botez M.I. 
Published: February 2016

Abstract:A woman had a left superior cerebellar artery infarct associated with reduced hexamethyl-propileneamine oxime uptake on SPECT scan of the basal ganglia and frontoparietal areas of the opposite hemisphere performed poorly in some neuropsychological tests indicating right hemisphere dysfunction. There was a lengthening of reaction and movement times with the hand ipsilateral to the lesion. These deficits were temporary. A unilateral cerebellar lesion can produce neuropsychological deficits, possibly because of hypoperfusion in contralateral frontoparietal regions, but spontaneous neuropsychological remissions may occur.
Adaptive Control of Eye Movements: Clinical Implications
Authors: Zee David S. 
Published: February 2016

Abstract:This paper is directed primarily to clinicians who diagnose and treat patients with neurological disorders. It is an attempt to illustrate that even with modern imaging technology and other advances in laboratory testing, a thorough understanding of neurophysiology and its anatomical substrate still plays an important role in the diagnosis and management of patients with neurological diseases. One area in neurophysiology in which there has been great progress in the last few decades is the ocular motor system. Particular interest has been focused on the ways that the brain can adapt to lesions, and more specifically, how the ocular motor system keeps itself calibrated in the face of normal development and aging as well as in response to disease and trauma. Since disorders of eye movements are such common and often dramatic manifestations of neurological disease it seems appropriate to bring some of the newer concepts in ocular motor physiology to the “bedside”.
A Prevalence Study of Multiple Sclerosis in the Crowsnest Pass Region of Southern Alberta
Authors: Klein G.M. , Rose M.S. , Seland T.P. 
Published: February 2016

Abstract:Reports of a high prevalence rate for multiple sclerosis in Southern Alberta led to an epidemiologic study of this disease in the Crowsnest Pass and Cardston regions. In Cardston, the prevalence rate for multiple sclerosis was 88 per 100,000. In the Crowsnest Pass, the prevalence rate was 217 per 100,000. Previous epidemiologic studies of the prevalence rate of multiple sclerosis in Western Canada have shown rates between 93 and 111 per 100,000. Two prevalence studies of multiple sclerosis in Barrhead County, Alberta and Westlock County, Alberta show prevalence rates of 196 and 201 per 100,000. The prevalence rate in the Crowsnest Pass is comparable to the prevalence in Barrhead County and Westlock County, Alberta. However, there is no statistically significant difference between prevalence rates in the Cardston and Crowsnest Pass regions and our overall feeling is that the results of studies of small populations should be interpreted with caution.
A Quarter Century's Experience with Intraoperative Nerve Action Potential Recording
Authors: Kline David G. , Happel Leo T. 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACT:The rationale, basic considerations, and technique of intraoperative nerve action potential (NAP) recording have been reviewed. Experience using this technique in several thousand patients over a 25 year period has been summarized. The most frequent serious nerve injury is one that leaves it in continuity. Resection of such a lesion that is regenerating does the patient a great disservice as does exploration without repair of one with little or no potential for useful spontaneous recovery. The frequency of lesions in continuity as well as the difficulties in evaluating them in the early months by electromyography let alone by surgical inspection has led to the development of intraoperative NAP recording. Where neurolysis was based on a recordable NAP across a lesion in continuity, 93% recovered good function. Where resection of the lesion was based on absence of an NAP, the injury was, without exception, neurotmetic and/or one with poor potential for useful recovery without repair. Some lesions had an NAP across their lesion but a portion of the cross-sectional area appeared more seriously injured. By use of NAP recordings, a split repair was done and usually with good results.
Epidemiology of Multiple Sclerosis: A Critical Overview
Authors: Sadovnick A.D. , Ebers G.C. 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACT:The decisive conclusions to be drawn from the available epidemiological data, mostly geography and prevalence, of MS are: (1) a north-south (as well as west-east in the United States) gradient exists independent of genetic/racial factors; (2) major differences in prevalence occur in the absence of latitude differences; (3) individuals from the same ethnic derivation have either similar prevalence rates or very different prevalence rates in widely separated geographical areas and (4) specific resistant isolates are shown to exist regardless of latitude. Existing information leads to the almost inescapable conclusion that the epidemiology of MS cannot be explained by any single known environmental or genetic factor(s) in isolation. A combination of a heterogeneous distribution of both genetic and environmental factors appears to be required to explain the available data on MS.
Single-Blind Study of Dystrophin Staining in Carriers of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Authors: Bernier Francois P. , Greenberg Cheryl R. , Halliday William C. , Wrogemann Klaus 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACT:A single-blind study of dystrophin staining in skeletal muscle was performed in 13 biopsies from carriers of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) and controls. The results indicate that immunohistochemical analysis of dystrophin staining is a valuable diagnostic test for DMD carriers when DNA for testing is unavailable from critical family members or is uninformative, when creatine kinase (CK) values are conflicting or when CK values must be used in isolation.
Epineurial Peptides: A Role in Neuropathic Pain?
Authors: Zochodne D.W. 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACT:Neuropathic pain is not well understood. Although central dorsal horn remodelling is likely important in maintaining chronic neuropathic pain, afferent activity from injured nerves or ganglia may initiate these changes. It is suggested, in this review that the peripheral nerve trunk is capable of sustaining a “flare” response as observed in injured skin and other tissues. The injury response may be associated with local vasodilatation, plasma extravasation and the generation of painful local afferent activity sustained by locally originating peptidergic fibers (nervi nervorum). These fibers contain substance P, calcitonin gene-related peptide and other peptides that have been linked to nociceptive transmission. Manipulation of the local injury response of the nerve trunk by pharmacologic means may provide one strategy in the treatment of neuropathic pain.
Neural Networks and Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Borrett Donald S. , Yeap Tet H. , Kwan Hon C. 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACT:A closed-loop or recurrent neural network was taught to generate output discharges to reproduce the prototypical activations in agonist and antagonist muscles which produce the displacement of a limb about a single joint. By introducing a generalized decrease in the excitability of the pre-output layer in the network, the network made the displacement more slowly and also showed an inability to maintain a repetitive movement. These concepts can be applied to the human nervous system in the understanding of the physical basis of movement and its disorders. It is suggested that a movement represents the output of a closed-loop network, such as the cortical-basal ganglia-thalamic-cortical motor loop, which iterates repetitively to its end point or attractor. The model provides an explanation of how the state of thalamic inhibition seen in Parkinson's disease physically may produce bradykinesia and the inability to maintain a repetitive movement.
High Dose Tamoxifen in the Treatment of Recurrent High Grade Glioma: A Report of Clinical Stabilization and Tumour Regression
Authors: Baltuch Gordon , Shenouda George , Langleben Adrian , Villemure Jean-Guy 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACT:We present a case of recurrent glioma, previously treated with maximal surgery and radiation in which a high dose of tamoxifen has stabilized the tumour clinically and has resulted in it's radiologic regression. Given tamoxifen's relative lack of toxicity, it might serve as a useful adjuvant in the treatment of recurrent glioma.
The Usefulness of CT Scanning in Diagnosing Dementia of the Alzheimer Type
Authors: Willmer J. , Carruthers A. , Guzman D.A. , Collins B. , Pogue J. , Stuss D.T. 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACT:In order to determine the usefulness of Computerized Tomography (CT) scanning in making a diagnosis of dementia of the Alzheimer type, a group of patients diagnosed by NINCDS - ADRDA criteria (n = 22) were compared to a group of normal subjects (n = 49) using certain defined linear CT scan measurements. These measurements included specific measurements of the temporal lobes (temporal horns). Subjects were classified correctly 91.5% of the time with a high degree of probability. A diagnostic equation is presented which will allow testing of these methods in a prospective fashion.
William John Horsey, M.D., F.R.C.S.C Neurosurgeon to St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto
Authors: Max Findlay J. , William S. Tucker 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACT:After just completing his neurosurgical training in 1954 Dr. William Horsey visited Queen Square, England, where on one occasion he attended a pathological conference discussing a young man who had died from complications following biopsy of a low grade astrocytoma. One of the surgeons present, none other than the brilliant, mercurial and sometimes flamboyant Wylie McKissock, asked young Horsey what he thought of the case. What followed was not the primitive, colonial opinion that might have been expected. Unintimidated, Dr. Horsey said that he probably would not have operated on the man in the first place, since he was neurologically well-preserved bearing an intrinsic tumor causing minimal deformity of the ventriculogram. But if he had operated, Horsey went on, he would have finished the job with a proper decompression of the affected temporal lobe, rather than just a biopsy. And, he continued, if he had made the decision to treat this young man's tumor, he would also have treated his postoperative clot, with a second operation, to save the patient's life. It was this kind of sharp intelligence and sensibility, which so silenced a crowded Queen Square conference room that morning, combined with a superb operating technique and a particular dedication to teaching that characterized Bill Horsey's neurosurgical career.
Autosomal Recessive Motor and Sensory Neuropathy with Excessive Myelin Outfolding in Two Siblings
Authors: Barbieri F. , Santangelo R. , Capparelli G. , Ciccarelli A. , Crisci C. 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACT:Two siblings, a 35-year-old male and a 37-year-old female, offspring of first cousins, presented with a hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy with type I clinical features which began to manifest at about age 10 years. Nerve biopsy in the proband showed it to be a type characterized by excessive myelin outfolding. Morphometric study revealed hypomyelination with focal thickenings due to outfoldings. Clinical, electrophysiological and morphological findings are virtually identical to those described by Ohnishi et al. The peculiarity of the neuropathological picture suggests a particular form of hereditary motor and senory neuropathy.
Newborn Apnea Caused by a Neurofibroma at the Craniocervical Junction
Authors: Clarke David B. , Farmer Jean-Pierre , Montes José L. , Watters Gordon V. , Rouleau Guy 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACT:The authors report, for the first time, the finding by magnetic resonance imaging of a neurofibroma at the craniocervical junction with upper cervical cord and lower brainstem compression causing complete apnea from birth. Subsequent subtotal resection of the neurofibroma resulted in the successful extubation of a previously ventilator-dependent patient. After a two month period of breathing spontaneously, the newborn developed an upper respiratory tract infection and was reintubated. The patient, unable to be weaned off of the respirator, was extubated and expired shortly thereafter, at the age of five months. The authors suggest that in newborns with unexplained apnea, MRI of the craniocervical junction is indicated. Certain patients may be discovered who have less compromised cervicomedullary function and are afflicted by less aggressive forms of neurofibromatosis type 1. These patients may benefit permanently from a surgical decompression.
Adult Diastematomyelia
Authors: Russell Neville A. , Benoit Brien G. , Joaquin Andrew J. , Fayez Nayef Al 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACT:With modern imaging techniques, various types of spinal dysraphism are being diagnosed in adults with increasing frequency. We report a 42-year-old woman with diastematomyelia whose symptoms characteristically were precipated by trauma. She exhibited other typical features such as a posterior midline hair patch and vetebral malformations. Metrizamide myelography with computerized tomography showed a bony septum at Tl 1 with a cleft at T9-T11 separating two dural tubes each of which contained a single spinal hemicord. The septum was excised with complete relief of symptoms.