Journal of neurology, neurosurgery, and psychiatry
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J. Neurol. Neurosurg. Psychiatr. · Nov 2004
Meta AnalysisDoes reducing spasticity translate into functional benefit? An exploratory meta-analysis.
Spasticity and loss of function in an affected arm are common after stroke. Although botulinum toxin is used to reduce spasticity, its functional benefits are less easily demonstrated. This paper reports an exploratory meta-analysis to investigate the relationship between reduced arm spasticity and improved arm function. ⋯ Using a targeted meta-analytic approach, it is possible to demonstrate that reducing spasticity in the arm is associated with a significant improvement in arm function.
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J. Neurol. Neurosurg. Psychiatr. · Aug 2004
Meta AnalysisOctapeptide repeat insertions in the prion protein gene and early onset dementia.
The most common familial early onset dementia mutations are found in the genes involved in Alzheimer's disease; the amyloid precursor protein (APP) and the presenilin 1 and 2 (PSEN1 and 2) genes; the prion protein gene (PRNP) may be involved. ⋯ Our findings show significant inverse associations of the length of the PRNP octapeptide repeat with age at disease onset and disease duration in the spongiform encephalopathies.
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J. Neurol. Neurosurg. Psychiatr. · Jul 2004
Meta AnalysisTau gene and Parkinson's disease: a case-control study and meta-analysis.
To investigate whether the tau H1 haplotype is a genetic risk factor in Parkinson's disease and to report a meta-analysis on all previously published data ⋯ Homozygosity for the tau H1 is associated with an increased risk of Parkinson's disease. This adds to the growing body of evidence that common genetic variation contributes to the pathogenesis of this disorder.
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J. Neurol. Neurosurg. Psychiatr. · Apr 2004
Meta Analysis Comparative StudyAre men at greater risk for Parkinson's disease than women?
Parkinson's disease seems to occur more commonly in men than women based primarily on studies of death rates and prevalence. In recent years, several population based incidence studies of Parkinson's disease that included sex data have been conducted in a variety of populations around the world. ⋯ A significantly higher incidence rate of Parkinson's disease was found among men with the relative risk being 1.5 times greater in men than women. Possible reasons for this increased risk of Parkinson's disease in men are toxicant exposure, head trauma, neuroprotection by oestrogen, mitochondrial dysfunction, or X linkage of genetic risk factors.
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J. Neurol. Neurosurg. Psychiatr. · Jul 2003
Meta AnalysisHead injury as a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease: the evidence 10 years on; a partial replication.
To determine, using a systematic review of case-control studies, whether head injury is a significant risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. We sought to replicate the findings of the meta-analysis of Mortimer et al (1991). ⋯ This study provides support for an association between a history of previous head injury and the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.