Clinical neurophysiology : official journal of the International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology
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To investigate the effect of the voluntary movement on the amplitude of the somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) recorded by an epidural electrode at level of the cervical spinal cord (CSC). ⋯ Our findings show that the voluntary movement may affect the somatosensory input processing also at CSC level.
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Repetitive paired-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) at I-wave periodicity has been shown to induce a motor-evoked potential (MEP) facilitation. We hypothesized that a greater enhancement of motor cortical excitability is provoked by increasing the number of pulses per train beyond those by paired-pulse stimulation (PPS). ⋯ QPS is more effective than PPS for inducing motor cortical plasticity.
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To investigate the dynamics of the synchronization between heart rate variability and sleep electroencephalogram power spectra and the effect of sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome. ⋯ Sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome does not affect the interdependence between the high frequency component of heart rate variability and all sleep power bands as measured by synchronization likelihood.
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Recently, the extended brain symmetry index (BSI) was introduced to assist the visual interpretation of the EEG, in particular to quantify both the spatial (left-right) and the temporal spectral characteristics. The BSI has found application in monitoring during carotid endarterectomy, acute stroke and focal seizure detection. Here, we present additional relevant characteristics and a slightly modified version of this index, simulating its behavior as may occur in various clinical conditions, with an emphasis on the detection of cerebral ischaemia. ⋯ qEEG assists in a more objective interpretation of the EEG, and is relevant in neuromonitoring.
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Standard outcome measures used for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) clinical trials, including the ALS functional rating scale-revised (ALSFRS-R), maximal voluntary isometric contraction testing (MVICT), and manual muscle testing (MMT), are limited in their ability to detect subtle disease progression. Electrical impedance myography (EIM) is a new non-invasive technique that provides quantitative data on muscle health by measuring localized tissue impedance. This study investigates whether EIM could provide a new outcome measure for use in ALS clinical trials work. ⋯ The application of EIM to future ALS trials may allow for smaller, faster studies with an improved ability to detect subtle progression of the disease and treatment effects.