bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Resting-state functional connectivity in patients with minimally disabled Parkinson’s disease: A case-control study
Authors: Singh Mohit , Dev Rahul , Khokhar Sunil Kumar , Kumar Niraj , Saini Jitender , Saxena Sudhir 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:
To assess the resting-state functional connectivity within the default mode network (DMN) and the whole brain in minimally disabled Parkinson’s disease (MiPD) patients and compare it with age- and gender-matched healthy controls (HCs).

METHODS:
Twenty-seven MiPD patients (Hoehn and Yahr score, H–Y = 1–3) and 21 HCs underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging. The data collected included demographic profiles of both groups along with duration of illness, age of PD onset, and the H–Y score in PD patients. The Fazekas scores were calculated in all PD patients and HCs. The region of interest (ROI) functional connectivity method was used to assess resting-state functional connectivity within DMN and whole brain using the CONN toolbox. A total of 132 ROIs were selected in the whole brain using the Harvard Atlas.

RESULTS:
The mean age, gender, and median Fazekas scores in both groups were comparable. Mean (±SD) age of PD onset in patients was 52.92 ± 8.32 years. The median (range) H–Y score was 2 (1–3). Regions of increased functional connectivity were observed in the whole-brain analysis in the MiPD group. Four ROI pairs showed increased functional connectivity in the MiPD group compared to HCs (p < 0.001), prominently involving the frontoparietal, cerebellar, and basal ganglia region. Functional connectivity within DMN was comparable between the two groups.

CONCLUSION:
Compared to age- and gender-matched healthy controls, MiPD patients showed increased functional connectivity in selected regions, in particular, those involving the precuneus, thalamus, pallidum, and vermis, which may be related to initial compensation in PD.
Adverse effects of medications used to treat motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease: A narrative review
Authors: Mishal Bhushan , Shetty Akash , Wadia Pettarusp 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

BACKGROUND:
In the 1960s, levodopa was first administered to treat the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD), and it has since become the “gold standard” in its treatment. Since then, many classes of drugs have been made available to treat PD; however, these drugs are associated with considerable adverse effects.

OBJECTIVE:
The objective of this review is to highlight the most important and clinically relevant side effects of the medications used to treat the motor symptoms of PD.

MATERIAL AND METHODS:
We used PubMed and Google scholar to search for articles from January 1975 to January 2021.

RESULTS:
The medications used to treat PD vary in their mechanisms of action. The major classes of drugs that are used include levodopa and dopamine agonists. Nausea, vomiting, sleepiness, and neuropsychiatric and cardiovascular problems are some of the most common adverse effects observed. In addition, class-specific adverse effects of various drugs are observed and are important.

CONCLUSIONS:
The drugs used to treat PD are associated with considerable adverse effects, which may be mild, severe, or even life threatening. Most adverse effects are reversible and disappear with drug withdrawal. However, discontinuation of the drugs may not always be possible. Education of the patient and caregiver and awareness among clinicians is essential for early recognition and to prevent impairment of the quality of life. In addition, the development of new drugs with a favorable side effect profile should be prioritized.
Vascular Parkinsonism and Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Rath Shivani , Kumar Anand , Pathak Abhishek , Verma Ashish , Singh Varun K. , Chaurasia Rameshwar N. , Mishra Vijay N. , Joshi Deepika 
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND:
Vascular parkinsonism (VP) is an atypical Parkinsonian syndrome that is believed to have a temporal association with cerebrovascular disease. However, now it is evolving as a heterogeneous entity with no clear consensus on the definition and diagnostic criteria.

AIM AND OBJECTIVES:
This study aimed at evaluating the clinico-radiological profile of patients with VP and Parkinson’s disease (PD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS:
The present study was conducted at a tertiary care university hospital. A total of 80 patients, with a diagnosis of probable VP (40) and PD (40), were evaluated and compared with Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) part III, gait scale, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB), and MRI brain.

RESULTS:
Significantly older age of onset (P = 0.005), higher vascular risk factors (P < 0.001), and motor scores in UPDRS part III (P < 0.001), gait scale (P < 0.001), and modified Hoehn and Yahr (P < 0.001) were seen in the VP as compared with the PD. On the cognitive scales, patients with VP scored significantly lower in MMSE (19.92 ± 6.0 vs. 24.90 ± 3.34; P < 0.001) and FAB (7.75 ± 4.27 vs. 11.22 ± 2.75; P < 0.001); on the modified Hachinski scale (7.77 ± 3.19 vs. 3.30 ± 1.97; P < 0.001), they scored higher compared with patients with PD. Periventricular ischemic changes, generalized brain atrophy, and multiple lacunar infarcts were the most common radiological abnormality found significantly more in patients with VP.

CONCLUSION:
An older age, worse cognitive scores and motor scores, and more profound periventricular and subcortical lesions on MRI favored VP.
Ondansetron for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease psychosis: Rationale and literature review
Authors: Kaur Jaslovleen , Lenka Abhishek , Isaacson Jonathan R , Isaacson Stuart H 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Psychosis is a debilitating non-motor symptom of Parkinson’s disease that commonly manifests with illusions, presence/passage hallucinations, and well-formed visual hallucinations. Parkinson’s disease psychosis (PDP) is associated with several negative repercussions such as increased caregiver distress and high rates of nursing home placement, healthcare expenditure, and mortality. Several neurotransmitters have been implicated in the pathogenesis of PDP; these include dopamine, acetylcholine, and serotonin. Most antipsychotics have a variable degree of dopamine-blocking property that may worsen parkinsonism or result in the emergence of other drug-induced movement disorders. Therefore, atypical antipsychotics with minimal dopamine-blocking property (quetiapine, clozapine) are commonly prescribed to treat PDP. Pimavanserin, which modulates serotonergic transmission (5-HT2A inverse agonist), is the only drug approved by the US Food and Drug Administration to treat PDP; however, it is not globally available. Therefore, it is crucial to continue the search for effective pharmacotherapy of PDP. Other serotonergic targets of interest include selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonist ondansetron. Licensed for use as an antiemetic, open-label studies on ondansetron in the 1990s have shown encouraging results in the treatment of hallucinations in PD. However, ondansetron was not further studied in PDP as it was cost-prohibitive. In this article, we highlight the role of abnormal serotonergic transmission in the pathogenesis of PDP, revisit the studies that investigated the role of ondansetron in treating PDP, and discuss its potential as an effective therapeutic option for PDP.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on patients with Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders
Authors: Rakesh Kempaiah , Bhattacharya Amitabh , Ganaraja Valakkunja Harikrishna , Kamble Nitish , Holla Vikram V. , Yadav Ravi , Pal Pramod Kumar 
Published: May 2024

INTRODUCTION:
The coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic is a global health crisis that has directly and indirectly impacted almost all populations globally. In this study, we aimed to study the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on motor and nonmotor symptoms in patients with various movement disorders who visited our outpatient department.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:
We conducted a prospective study using a structured questionnaire involving patients who visited our outpatient department during the COVID-19 pandemic from May 2020 to April 2021. The study was conducted at the Department of Neurology at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bangalore.

RESULTS:
A total of 208 patients with the following disorders were assessed: Parkinson's disease (n = 141), atypical parkinsonism (n = 31), dystonia (n = 15), Wilson's disease (n = 5), and other disorders (n = 16). Approximately, 3.5% of the patients had acquired the COVID-19 infection. Almost 80% of the patients had missed scheduled appointments with their physicians during this study period due to travel restrictions or the fear of traveling. Approximately, 50% of the patients experienced worsening of their motor and nonmotor symptoms. Approximately, 25% of patients availed teleconsultation facilities, and majority of them found it to be equivalent to or better than in-person consultation. Almost 80% of the patients were eager to receive the COVID-19 vaccination.

CONCLUSION:
The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in worsening of both motor and nonmotor symptoms in patients with movement disorders. Teleconsultation is a helpful option in managing the patients’ symptoms during the pandemic.
Diabetic striatopathy
Authors: Ranjan Abhay , Mudassir Sanaullah , Sinha Neetu , Kumar Abhishek 
Published: May 2024

OBJECTIVE:
Diabetic striatopathy (DS) is characterized by a hyperglycemic state associated with chorea/ballism, and/or striatal hyperdensity on computed tomography, or hyperintensity on T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. To date, there have been only a few case series reported in the literature on this topic. In the present study, we report four cases of DS associated with movement disorders.

METHODS:
The patients were recruited based on the presence of hyperglycemia associated with chorea/ballism or striatal hyperintensity on T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging.

RESULTS:
Four patients with DS (two men and two women), with a mean age of 61 years, were included in our study. Three out of the four patients had a previous diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The mean blood glucose level on admission and glycated hemoglobin were 390.25 mg/dl and 12.45%, respectively. Hemiballism was present in two patients: one patient had dystonia and the other had choreiform movement at presentation. The putamen was affected in all patients, with involvement of the globus pallidus and caudate nucleus in one patient. All patients had resolution of their abnormal movements after glucose-lowering therapy, with additional use of anti-chorea medication in three patients.

CONCLUSION:
DS should be considered in elderly patients who present with chorea/ballism/dystonia and should be accordingly managed with resolution of abnormal movements. In addition, dystonia can be a presenting symptom in DS.
Study of Impact of Stereotactic parameters on Microelectrode recording in Parkinson’s disease patients who underwent Subthalamic nucleus Deep brain stimulation
Authors: Kola Sruthi , Kandadai Rukmini Mridula , Alugolu Rajesh , Jabeen S Afshan , Borgohain Rupam 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

AIM:
To study the impact of trajectory parameters on Microelectrode recording during Subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation surgery in PD patients

MATERIALS AND METHODS:
This is a retrospective study. On the day of surgery MRI was taken with frame on which planning was done using stereocalc and navigation systems and final coordinates of X, Y, Z, mid sagittal angle, axial angles were obtained. During surgery Microelectrode recording (MER) was done and with bed side examination final lead placement decided. Impact of trajectory angles on MER was studied using appropriate statistical analysis.

RESULTS:
Among 40 patients studied,mean age of patients and duration of disease were 55.65years and 7.95 years. Mean UPDRS OFF and ON scores were 60.7 and 15.4 respectively and mean MOCA score was 26.6. Distribution of type of recording differs significantly across mid sagittal angles among <15o vs >15o (P <0.05). Group of <15o for midsagittal angle and >75o for axial angle had highest percentage (60%) showing no recording when compared to others. Significantly higher proportion of cases with higher duration of PD had higher incidence of no recording and vice-versa (P <0.05).

CONCLUSION:
The study found a correlation between approach angle and the quality of MER. Results showed that a midsagittal angle > 15o and an axial angle < 75o produced better MERs. Although not statistically significant, this could suggest approach angles may have a role to achieve good microelectrode recordings. Larger prospective studies may be helpful to understand this further.
Spectrum of childhood dystonia evaluated at a tertiary care center from south India
Authors: V. H. Ganaraja , M. Netravathi , Kamble Nitish , Holla Vikram V. , Srinivas Dwarakanath , Yadav Ravi , Pal Pramod Kumar 
Published: May 2024

INTRODUCTION:
Dystonia is one of the most common hyperkinetic movement disorders observed in children with neurological disorders. The objective of this study was to evaluate the demographic, etiological, and radiological profile of childhood dystonia.

METHODS:
This study is a retrospective chart review of children with dystonia (onset ≤18 years) who were admitted to our hospital from 2013 to 2017. All the relevant demographic data including the ethnicity, socioeconomic and cultural background, examination findings, electrophysiological, and other investigations were retrieved from the medical records.

RESULTS:
A total of 814 children were admitted and evaluated in the pediatric ward, of which 85 (38 girls) children had dystonia. Mean age at onset was 6.21 ± 5.21 years. Mean duration of illness was 3.51 ± 4.23 years. Generalized dystonia was noticed in 83.5% followed by focal dystonia in 8.2%. Hemidystonia and segmental dystonia were less commonly seen with 4.7% and 3.5% of cases, respectively. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was available in 82 patients; and diagnostic in 56.1% in the form of Wilson’s disease (14.1%) neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation (14.1%), perinatal insult (8.2%), encephalitis (7.1%), mitochondrial cytopathy (3.5%), glutaric aciduria (2.4%), isovaleric acidemia (1.2%), metachromatic leukodystrophy (1.2%), acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (1.2%), and neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (1.2%). Two patients underwent surgical therapy in the form of deep brain stimulation and bilateral pallidotomy.

CONCLUSION:
Dystonia constitutes 10.4% of pediatric neurological admissions in our study cohort. Generalized dystonia is the commonest subtype. Brain MRI is useful in identifying etiology and it was diagnostic in nearly half of the patients (56.1%).
A Rare Case of Radicular Cyst in the Maxillary Sinus Masquerading as Mucous Retention Cyst
Authors: Chauhan Pratibha , Vohra Puneeta , Chaudhry Astha , Yadav Vishesh , Yadav Preetika 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Cysts are pathological cavities lined by the epithelium that contains fluid or semifluid material. The term “odontogenic cyst” refers to the cyst related to the teeth. One of the most common odontogenic cysts, the periapical cyst, also known as the radicular cyst, is linked to a dead or nonvital tooth. Most often, the apices of the affected nonvital teeth serve as the epicenter of these cysts, although they can also be discovered on the lateral aspects of the roots in connection with lateral accessory root canals. There is something provocative about them. Most radicular cysts are small, but on rare occasions, they may enlarge to the point where they press against the maxillary sinus. In this instance, you can distinguish between pathology coming from the maxillary sinus itself and pathology with an odontogenic origin that is causing the sinus to be displaced by performing a comprehensive examination in conjunction with computed tomography (CT) imaging. This article highlights the use of advanced 3D diagnostic technologies like CT that details the care of a rare case of a huge radicular cyst involving the maxillary sinus in a 50-year-old female requiring surgical intervention.
The Challenge of a Pandemic on the Psychological State of Teenagers in India
Authors: Khurana Charu 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
The effects of coronavirus were not just physical but also psychological in all age groups and more so common among children and adolescents. Some children may have had experience of quarantine restrictions during this coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The mental health of millions of children worldwide has been put at risk, with at least one in seven forced to remain at home under nationwide public health orders – or recommendations – during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of them also experienced domestic violence growing. The stress they are subjected to directly impacts their mental health on account of increased anxiety, changes in their diets and in school dynamics, fear, or even failing to scale the problem. Our aim is to bring up a discussion under different aspects and to alert public health and government agents about the need for surveillance and care of these individuals.
Hirsutism in patients with lichen planopilaris (LPP)
Authors: Nejad Kaveh Gharaei , Rafiei Rana , Eftekhari Hojat , Dibayi Fatemeh , Rafiei Elahe 
Published: May 2024

Background
Lichen planopilaris (LPP) is a form of autoimmune scarring alopecia with unknown etiology. Androgenic hormones may have a role in progression of LPP especially in menopausal women which could be associated with hirsutism. Therefore, we investigated the frequency of hirsutism as one of the clinical manifestations of androgen excess in women with LPP.

Patients and methods
This cross-sectional study was done during 5 years on 60 female LPP patients. Patients’ data were age, age-onset of LPP, menstrual status, body mass index (BMI), presence or absence of hirsutism, age-onset and location of hirsutism and history of nonfollicular lichen planus.

Results
Patients’ mean age was 46.53±10.03 years. Mean of age-onset of LPP in women was 41.35±10.48 years. Hirsutism was detected in 28.3% of cases. The mean of age-onset of LPP was 30.47±9.11 in women with hirsutism. Less than half of LPP patients (48.3%) were nonmenopausal women, of whom 41.4% had irregular menstrual periods. Overweight and obesity was detected in 43 (43.71%) of LPP cases. Age-onset of LPP in menopausal women was significantly higher than nonmenopausal women (P <0.001). Frequency of obesity in the menopausal and nonmenopausal groups was not significantly different.

Conclusion
More than a quarter of LPP patients had hirsutism. Due to high frequency of hirsutism in Iranian women, our findings do not show higher frequency of hirsutism in LPP cases compared with other women.
Royal jelly improved tramadol-induced testicular dysfunction in male albino rats
Authors: Ibrahim Hassan M. , Mostafa Nesreen N. , Mawas Amany S. , Khalil Atef , Hegazy Eisa M. 
Published: May 2024

Background
Nowadays, there are many benefits and adverse effects of tramadol.

Aim
This study evaluates the effects of royal jelly (RJ) on tramadol-induced testicular toxicity, sperm changes, oxidative stress, and histopathological changes in male albino rats.

Methods
Forty male albino rats in the experimental randomized study design were classified into four groups and were treated for 4 weeks. Control group, tramadol-treated group, tramadol plus RJ-treated group, and RJ-treated group. Assessment of reproductive hormones, antioxidants, semen analysis, and histopathological examinations of all groups was done.

Results
Administration of RJ with tramadol in male albino rats ameliorates testicular toxicity, sperm abnormalities, and oxidative stress, and improves histopathological changes induced by tramadol administration.

Conclusions
RJ may counteract the toxic testicular effect of tramadol in male albino rats, so we can use it widely in reproductive health and male infertility.
Thymic stromal lymphopoietin: evaluating its role as a new marker related to presence of psoriasis vulgaris and its severity
Authors: Khaled Hesham N. , Elghobashy Yasser , El Sayed Enas M. A. 
Published: May 2024

Background
Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), a proallergic cytokine, and T cell-derived CD40 ligand (CD40L) may collaborate to increase the production of IL-23 in psoriasis patients. One key cytokine, IL-23, is responsible for the unwarranted immune response in psoriasis sufferers.

Aim
The current study aims to shed light on the possible role of TSLP as a novel biomarker related to presence of psoriasis vulgaris lesions and its severe forms with exclusion of people with atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, rheumatoid arthritis, graft versus host disease (GVHD), blood diseases and patient on anticoagulant therapy as well as pregnant and lactating females.

Patients and methods
40 subjects with psoriasis vulgaris participated in the current case-controlled research, whereas 40 healthy volunteers of similar age and gender served as the control group. The degree and extent of the illness were evaluated utilizing the psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) score. Serum was separated after blood samples from the venous blood of the subjects and control participants were taken. As soon as possible, the serum samples were frozen at −20°C. The Sandwich Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbant Assay (ELISA) was utilized to quantify serum TSLP.

Results
The case group’s serum TSLP levels rose statistically substantially more than those of the control group. In the cases group, there was a statistically strong positive relation between serum TSLP levels and PASI scores (P: < 0.001). There is a statistically strong positive relation between serum TSLP and patients’ age and illness duration, a statistically substantial rise in blood TSLP values in psoriatic arthritis patients and smokers.

Conclusion
Patients with psoriasis have higher serum TSLP levels, which are proportional to the disease’s severity.