Annals of neurology
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Annals of neurology · Oct 2010
A phase I trial of deep brain stimulation of memory circuits in Alzheimer's disease.
Alzheimer disease (AD) is characterized by functional impairment in the neural elements and circuits underlying cognitive and memory functions. We hypothesized that fornix/hypothalamus deep brain stimulation (DBS) could modulate neurophysiological activity in these pathological circuits and possibly produce clinical benefits. ⋯ There is an urgent need for novel therapeutic approaches for AD. Modulating pathological brain activity in this illness with DBS merits further investigation.
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Although postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) often complicates recovery from major surgery, the pathogenic mechanisms remain unknown. We explored whether systemic inflammation, in response to surgical trauma, triggers hippocampal inflammation and subsequent memory impairment, in a mouse model of orthopedic surgery. ⋯ A peripheral surgery-induced innate immune response triggers an IL-1beta-mediated inflammatory process in the hippocampus that underlies memory impairment. This may represent a viable target to interrupt the pathogenesis of postoperative cognitive dysfunction.
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Annals of neurology · Sep 2010
Multicenter Study Clinical TrialAssessment of JC virus DNA in blood and urine from natalizumab-treated patients.
Analyses were conducted to determine the clinical utility of measuring JC virus (JCV) DNA in blood or urine of natalizumab-treated multiple sclerosis (MS) patients to predict the risk of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). ⋯ Measuring JCV DNA in blood or urine with currently available methods is unlikely to be useful for predicting PML risk in natalizumab-treated MS patients.
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Annals of neurology · Sep 2010
ReviewNeurological disorders in complex humanitarian emergencies and natural disasters.
Complex humanitarian emergencies include the relatively acute, severe, and overwhelming health consequences of armed conflict, food scarcity, mass displacement, and political strife. Neurological manifestations of complex humanitarian emergencies are important and underappreciated consequences of emergencies in populations worldwide. This review critically assesses the existing knowledge of the range of neurological disorders that accompany complex humanitarian emergencies and natural disasters in both the acute phase of crisis and the "long shadow" that follows.