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 · Oct 2012
Correlation of continuous electroencephalogram with clinical assessment scores in acute stroke patients.
To compare electroencephalogram (EEG) symmetry values between stroke patients with different 28-day outcomes, and to assess correlations between clinical characteristics and 28-day outcomes. ⋯ A higher BSI predicts a poorer short-term prognosis for stroke patients. Acute EEG monitoring may be of prognostic value for 28-day outcomes. The early prediction of functional outcomes after stroke may enhance clinical management and minimize short-term mortality.
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Neuroscience bulletin · Oct 2012
Sevoflurane exposure in 7-day-old rats affects neurogenesis, neurodegeneration and neurocognitive function.
Sevoflurane is widely used in pediatric anesthesia and former studies showed that it causes neurodegeneration in the developing brain. The present study was carried out to investigate the effects of sevoflurane on neurogenesis, neurodegeneration and behavior. ⋯ Sevoflurane reduces neurogenesis and increases the death of progenitor cells in developing brain. This might mediate the late-onset neurocognitive outcome after sevoflurane application.
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Neuroscience bulletin · Oct 2012
Sulforaphane protects primary cultures of cortical neurons against injury induced by oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation via antiapoptosis.
To determine whether sulforaphane (SFN) protects neurons against injury caused by oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) and, if so, to investigate the possible mechanisms. ⋯ SFN protects neurons against injury from OGD/R and this effect may be partly associated with an antiapoptosis pathway.