Frontiers in neurology
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Frontiers in neurology · Jan 2016
Systems Biology of Immunomodulation for Post-Stroke Neuroplasticity: Multimodal Implications of Pharmacotherapy and Neurorehabilitation.
Recent studies indicate that anti-inflammatory drugs, act as a double-edged sword, not only exacerbating secondary brain injury but also contributing to neurological recovery after stroke. Our aim is to explore whether there is a beneficial role for neuroprotection and functional recovery using anti-inflammatory drug along with neurorehabilitation therapy using transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), so as to improve functional recovery after ischemic stroke. ⋯ Additive beneficial effect is, thus, noticed for pharmacotherapy along with neurorehabilitation therapy, by maneuvering the dynamics of immunomodulation using anti-inflammatory drug and cerebral stimulation for augmenting the functional recovery after stroke, which may engender clinical applicability for enhancing plasticity, rehabilitation, and neurorestoration.
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Frontiers in neurology · Jan 2016
ReviewThe Controlled Cortical Impact Model: Applications, Considerations for Researchers, and Future Directions.
Controlled cortical impact (CCI) is a mechanical model of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that was developed nearly 30 years ago with the goal of creating a testing platform to determine the biomechanical properties of brain tissue exposed to direct mechanical deformation. Initially used to model TBIs produced by automotive crashes, the CCI model rapidly transformed into a standardized technique to study TBI mechanisms and evaluate therapies. CCI is most commonly produced using a device that rapidly accelerates a rod to impact the surgically exposed cortical dural surface. ⋯ CCI devices have also been successfully used to impact closed skulls to study mild and repetitive TBI. Future directions for CCI research surround continued refinements to the model through technical improvements in the devices (e.g., minimizing mechanical sources of variation). Like all TBI models, publications should report key injury parameters as outlined in the NIH common data elements (CDEs) for pre-clinical TBI.
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Frontiers in neurology · Jan 2016
Assessing the Relationship between Neurocognitive Performance and Brain Volume in Chronic Moderate-Severe Traumatic Brain Injury.
Characterize the scale and pattern of long-term atrophy in gray matter (GM), white matter (WM), and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in chronic moderate-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) and its relationship to neurocognitive outcomes. ⋯ Significant brain atrophy and associated neurocognitive impairments during the chronic stages of TBI support the notion that TBI results in a chronic condition with lifelong implications.
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Frontiers in neurology · Jan 2016
The Effects of External Jugular Compression Applied during Head Impact Exposure on Longitudinal Changes in Brain Neuroanatomical and Neurophysiological Biomarkers: A Preliminary Investigation.
Utilize a prospective in vivo clinical trial to evaluate the potential for mild neck compression applied during head impact exposure to reduce anatomical and physiological biomarkers of brain injury. ⋯ Group differences in the longitudinal changes in both neuroanatomical and electrophysiological measures, as well as the correlation between the measures, provide initial evidence indicating that mild jugular vein compression may have reduced alterations in the WM response to head impacts during a competitive hockey season. The data indicate sport-related alterations in WM microstructure were ameliorated by application of jugular compression during head impact exposure. These results may lead to a novel line of research inquiry to evaluate the effects of protecting the brain from sports-related head impacts via optimized intracranial fluid dynamics.
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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.