Journal of the neurological sciences
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To evaluate the factors related to the choice of a tracheostomy and invasive ventilation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients and to determine survival time after a tracheostomy at a single institute in Japan between 1990 and 2010. ⋯ Tracheostomy and invasive ventilation are frequently used in Japan. Various factors impact patients' decisions to have these procedures. This study identified factors related to the decision-making process and post-tracheostomy survival.
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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.