Neuroscience bulletin
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Neuroscience bulletin · Oct 2012
ReviewDorsal root ganglion compression as an animal model of sciatica and low back pain.
As sciatica and low back pain are among the most common medical complaints, many studies have duplicated these conditions in animals. Chronic compression of the dorsal root ganglion (CCD) is one of these models. The surgery is simple: after exposing the L4/L5 intervertebral foramina, stainless steel rods are implanted unilaterally, one rod for each vertebra, to chronically compress the lumbar dorsal root ganglion (DRG). ⋯ Also, new data regarding its significant property of maintaining peripheral input are also discussed. Investigations using this animal model will enhance our understanding of the neural mechanisms for low back pain and sciatica. Furthermore, the peripheral location of the DRG facilitates its use as a locus for controlling pain with minimal central effects, in the hope of ultimately uncovering analgesics that block neuropathic pain without influencing physiological pain.
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Neuroscience bulletin · Aug 2012
ReviewDiffusion magnetic resonance imaging for Brainnetome: a critical review.
Increasing evidence shows that the human brain is a highly self-organized system that shows attributes of small-worldness, hierarchy and modularity. The "connectome" was conceived several years ago to identify the underpinning physical connectivities of brain networks. The need for an integration of multi-spatial and -temporal approaches is becoming apparent. ⋯ Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) is a non-invasive way to study the anatomy of brain networks. Here, we review the principles of dMRI, its methodologies, and some of its clinical applications for the Brainnetome. Future research in this field is discussed.
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Neuroscience bulletin · Aug 2012
ReviewA review of functional magnetic resonance imaging for Brainnetome.
The functional brain network using blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has revealed the potentials for probing brain architecture, as well as for identifying clinical biomarkers for brain diseases. In the general context of Brainnetome, this review focuses on the development of approaches for modeling and analyzing functional brain networks with BOLD fMRI. The prospects for these approaches are also discussed.
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The concept of pain has remained a topic of long debate since its emergence in ancient times. The initial ideas of pain were formulated in both the East and the West before 1800. Since 1800, due to the development of experimental sciences, different theories of pain have emerged and become central topics of debate. ⋯ Thus, intensive research is required. This historical review mainly focuses on the development of pain theories and the fundamental discoveries in this field. Other historical events associated with pain therapies and remedies are beyond the scope of this review.
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Neuroscience bulletin · Aug 2011
ReviewCannabinoid as a neuroprotective strategy in perinatal hypoxic-ischemic injury.
Perinatal hypoxia-ischemia remains the single most important cause of brain injury in the newborn, leading to death or lifelong sequelae. Because of the fact that there is still no specific treatment for perinatal brain lesions due to the complexity of neonatal hypoxic-ischemic pathophysiology, the search of new neuroprotective therapies is of great interest. ⋯ Concerning perinatal asphyxia, the neuroprotective role of this endogenous system is emerging these years. The present review mainly focused on the current knowledge of the cannabinoids as a new neuroprotective strategy against perinatal hypoxic-ischemic brain injury.