Journal of the neurological sciences
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The relationship between the autonomic reflex screening test (ARS) and measures of sensory function and structure (quantitative sensory testing (QST) and intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD)) remains uncertain in patients with distal small fiber neuropathy (SFN). The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlations among a range of autonomic (quantitative sudomotor axon reflex test (QSART), cardiovagal and cardio adrenergic tests and the composite autonomic severity score (CASS)) and somatic sensory measures (QST of vibration, cooling and heat-pain thresholds and IENFD). ⋯ Autonomic and sensory outcomes are independent (complementary) measures of distal SFN, and should where feasible be used concurrently in the evaluation of SFN.
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FK506 has been shown to exert neurotrophic and neuroprotective effects, but its long-term application for nerve regeneration is limited. This study evaluated the potential application of a novel FK506-loaded chitosan conduit for peripheral nerve repair, and explored the underlying mechanism. A sciatic nerve injury model was created in male Wistar rats, which were then randomly divided into three treatment groups (n=40, each): chitosan-only, chitosan+FK506 injection, and FK506-loaded chitosan. ⋯ BDNF and TrkB levels in motor neurons were highest in rats treated with FK506-loaded chitosan. In conclusion, FK506-loaded chitosan promoted peripheral nerve repair and regeneration in a rat model of sciatic nerve injury. These effects are correlated with increased BDNF and TrkB expression in motor neurons.
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We investigated the King-Devick (K-D) test of rapid number naming as a visual performance measure in a cohort of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). ⋯ The K-D test, a <2 minute bedside test of rapid number naming, is associated with visual dysfunction, neurologic impairment, and reduced vision-specific QOL in patients with MS. Scores reflect work disability as well as structural changes as measured by OCT imaging. History of ON and abnormal binocular acuities were associated with worse K-D scores, suggesting that abnormalities detected by K-D may go along with afferent dysfunction in MS patients. A brief test that requires saccadic eye movements, K-D should be considered for future MS trials as a rapid visual performance measure.
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Malignant gliomas are common primary brain tumors with dismal prognosis. The blood-brain barrier and unacceptable systemic toxicity limit the employment of chemotherapeutic agents. BCNU-impregnated biodegradable polymers (Gliadel®) have been demonstrated to prolong the survival of patients with malignant gliomas. Until now, no biodegradable drug delivery system has been commercially available in China. In the present study, we evaluated the safety of implants with high-dose BCNU in Chinese patients with recurrent malignant gliomas. ⋯ The high-dose BCNU-loaded PLGA implants were safe for Chinese patients with recurrent malignant gliomas and further investigation for efficacy is warranted.