Frontiers in neurology
-
Frontiers in neurology · Jan 2017
Altered Coupling between Motion-Related Activation and Resting-State Brain Activity in the Ipsilesional Sensorimotor Cortex after Cerebral Stroke.
Functional connectivity maps using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) can closely resemble task fMRI activation patterns, suggesting that resting-state brain activity may predict task-evoked activation or behavioral performance. However, this conclusion was mostly drawn upon a healthy population. It remains unclear whether the predictive ability of resting-state brain activity for task-evoked activation would change under different pathological conditions. ⋯ Coupling strengths were correlated with hand motion performance in the acute stage, while coupling recovery was negatively correlated with the recovery outcome of hand motion performance in the early chronic stages. Couplings between RSFC and motion-related activation were dynamically changed with stroke progression, which suggested changes in the prediction of resting-state brain activity for task-evoked brain activity in different pathological states. The changes in coupling strength between these two types of brain activity implicate a reparative mechanism of brain injury and may represent a biomarker for predicting motor recovery in cerebral stroke.
-
Frontiers in neurology · Jan 2017
Multiple Sites Ultrasonography of Peripheral Nerves in Differentiating Charcot-Marie-Tooth Type 1A from Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy.
Multiple sites measurement of cross-sectional areas (CSA) by ultrasound was performed to differentiate Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 1A (CMT1A) and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP). ⋯ Consecutive scan along the nerve and multiple sites measurement by ultrasound could supply more detailed morphological feature of the nerve and help to differentiate CMT1A from CIDP.
-
Frontiers in neurology · Jan 2016
ReviewSudden Infant Death Syndrome - Role of Trigeminocardiac Reflex: A Review.
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is an unexplained death in infants, which usually occurs during sleep. The cause of SIDS remains unknown and multifactorial. In this regard, the diving reflex (DR), a peripheral subtype of trigeminocardiac reflex (TCR), is also hypothesized as one of the possible mechanisms for this condition. ⋯ The abnormalities of autonomic nervous system in SIDS may explain the role of TCR in this syndrome involving sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. We reviewed the available literature to identify the role of TCR in the etiopathogenesis of SIDS and the pathways and cellular mechanism involved in it. This synthesis will help to update our knowledge and improve our understanding about this mysterious, yet common condition and will open the door for further research in this field.
-
Frontiers in neurology · Jan 2016
Zika Virus and Guillain-Barre Syndrome: Is There Sufficient Evidence for Causality?
Worldwide concern over Zika virus causing Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) soared after recent reports that Zika-related weakness was due to GBS. A global strategic response plan was initiated with recommendations for at-risk countries to prepare for GBS. This plan has major economic implications, as nations with limited resources struggle to implement costly immunotherapy. ⋯ We conclude that there is no causal relationship between Zika virus and GBS because data failed to confirm GBS and exclude other causes of paralysis. Focus should be redirected at differential diagnosis, proper use of diagnostic criteria, and electrodiagnosis that follows recommended guidelines. We also call for a moratorium on recommendations for at-risk countries to prepare costly immunotherapies directed at GBS.
-
Frontiers in neurology · Jan 2016
Exposure to a Predator Scent Induces Chronic Behavioral Changes in Rats Previously Exposed to Low-level Blast: Implications for the Relationship of Blast-Related TBI to PTSD.
Blast-related mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) has been unfortunately common in veterans who served in the recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. The postconcussion syndrome associated with these mTBIs has frequently appeared in combination with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The presence of PTSD has complicated diagnosis, since clinically, PTSD and the postconcussion syndrome of mTBI have many overlapping symptoms. ⋯ Here, we show that a single predator scent challenge delivered 8 months after the last blast exposure induces chronic anxiety related changes in blast-exposed rats that are still present 45 days later. These observations suggest that in addition to independently inducing PTSD-related traits, blast exposure sensitizes the brain to react abnormally to a subsequent psychological stressor. These studies have implications for conceptualizing the relationship between blast-related mTBI and PTSD and suggest that blast-related mTBI in humans may predispose to the later development of PTSD in reaction to subsequent psychological stressors.