Tag: pubmed

Curr J Neurol. 2020 Jul 5;19(3):146-149. doi: 10.18502/cjn.v19i3.5428.

ABSTRACT

Background: Optic neuritis (ON) is a common visual sign in multiple sclerosis (MS). Although ON is recovered in most cases, other visual functions such as visual perception are affected and are not fully recovered. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between visual evoked potential (VEP) P100 and N70 latencies and visual perception using the Developmental Test of Visual Perception-Adolescent and Adult (DTVP-A) in people with MS. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 24 people with ON due to MS, aged 18-50 years old took part. In order to assess the visual perception and optic nerve conductivity, the DTVP-A and the VEP were accomplished, respectively. Pearson’s product-moment correlation coefficient was used to analyze the data. Results: There was a significant negative correlation between right VEP P100 latency and total score of DTVP-A (r = -0.450, P < 0.05) as well as a significant negative correlation between right VEP P100 latency with visual-motor integration (VMI) subtest of DTVP-A (r = -0.485, P < 0.05). Conclusion: The visual perception has an important role in safety and independent daily activities. Therefore, determining the related factors is essential. Although the findings of the current study revealed a moderate statistical correlation between visual perception and right VEP P100 latency, the small sample size might limit the generalization of our findings; therefore, further study is required to confirm our results.

PMID:38011459 | PMC:PMC8185592 | DOI:10.18502/cjn.v19i3.5428

Curr J Neurol. 2022 Apr 4;21(2):98-104. doi: 10.18502/cjn.v21i2.10493.

ABSTRACT

Background: Swallowing is one of the most complex functions of the central nervous system (CNS), which is controlled by different parts of the brain. Oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) is one of the most common complications after stroke. Despite a variety of behavioral, compensatory, and rehabilitative methods, many stroke patients still suffer from swallowing disorders that adversely affect their quality of life (QOL). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of pyridostigmine on patients with post-stroke dysphagia. Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was carried out on 40 patients suffering from post-stroke dysphagia. Patients were assigned randomly into two groups: intervention and control groups (20 in each group). The intervention group was treated with pyridostigmine (60 mg, three times a day, 30 minutes before each meal for three weeks), and the control group received placebo treatment in the same way. All patients (intervention and control) were evaluated according to National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), modified Rankin Scale (mRS), and Functional Communication Measures (FCM)/American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) criteria at baseline and after three weeks of intervention. Values of P < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: In the intervention group, the mean values of NIHSS, mRS, and ASHA/FCM were significantly reduced following three weeks of treatment with pyridostigmine (P = 0.002, P = 0.003, and P < 0.001, respectively), but no significant differences were found in the mean NIHSS, mRS, and ASHA/FCM in the placebo group. Conclusion: Although pyridogestamine is somewhat effective in post-stroke dysphagia, it has not been shown to be more important in preventing aspiration pneumonia and length of hospital stay.

PMID:38011458 | PMC:PMC9860206 | DOI:10.18502/cjn.v21i2.10493

Curr J Neurol. 2022 Jan 5;21(1):7-11. doi: 10.18502/cjn.v21i1.9354.

ABSTRACT

Background: Migraine is considered as one of the most common and disabling diseases of the nervous system that has a great impact on quality of life (QOL) and a little risk of neurologic complications such as stroke. Migraine aura is known to be the result of cortical spreading depression and is associated with higher risk of this complication. Thus, the present study was conducted with the aim to compare the effects of topiramate as an antiepileptic, and propranolol in patients with migraine with aura. Methods: The present randomized clinical trial was conducted on patients with migraine with aura referred to the neurology clinic of Golestan Hospital, Ahvaz, Iran, in the period of 2019-2020. The patients were randomized into two groups and received either topiramate or propranolol. The Migraine Disability Assessment Scale (MIDAS) score was evaluated before and at the end of three months after initiating the treatment. Results: Reduction in the MIDAS score in patients taking topiramate (-16.94) was greater than that in the propranolol group (-14.5), but this difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.005). No significant relationship was found between gender and changes in the MIDAS score after the treatment of both groups (P > 0.050). However, the changes in the MIDAS score were greater in younger patients, and this relationship was statistically significant (P < 0.050). Conclusion: There was no significant difference in the efficacy of topiramate and propranolol in patients with migraine with aura. No significant relationship was found between gender and changes in the MIDAS score after the treatment in both groups, but the reduction in the MIDAS scores was significantly higher in younger patients of both groups.

PMID:38011452 | PMC:PMC9527857 | DOI:10.18502/cjn.v21i1.9354

Curr J Neurol. 2021 Oct 7;20(4):222-228. doi: 10.18502/cjn.v20i4.8348.

ABSTRACT

Background: Pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis (POMS) is an autoimmune demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system (CNS), affecting individuals younger than 18 years of age. We sought to characterize the epidemiological and clinical features of patients with POMS in Isfahan, Iran, from April 1997 to March 2020. Methods: The medical records of patients with POMS in the databases of Isfahan Department of Public Health and Isfahan Multiple Sclerosis Society (IMSS) were retrospectively reviewed. The 2006 and 2016 Isfahan Province population censuses were used as reference values for assessing the temporal trend of POMS. Results: From April 1997 to March 2020, 509 individuals under18 years of age were diagnosed with POMS in Isfahan. 404 of these patients (79.4%) were girls, and 105 patients (20.6%) were boys (a female to male ratio of 3.85:1). Most of the patients (83%) were monosymptomatic at onset, with optic neuritis and brainstem-cerebellar disorders being the most frequent initial presentations. Mean ± standard deviation (SD) of age at disease diagnosis was 15.8 ± 2.5 years (ranging from 3 to 18, mode = 18). From April 2019 to March 2020, the crude prevalence and the crude incidence rate of the POMS were 5.42 per 100000 and 1.86 per 100000, respectively. Poisson regression analysis revealed a 3.4% increase in the incidence rate of POMS from April 1997 to March 2020 [relative rate:1.034, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.021-1.048]. Conclusion: The female to male ratio in our cohort was significantly higher than any other studies conducted previously. The high female to male ratio and increasing incidence of the disease suggest increasing regionalization of care.

PMID:38011448 | PMC:PMC9107569 | DOI:10.18502/cjn.v20i4.8348

Curr J Neurol. 2021 Apr 4;20(2):73-77. doi: 10.18502/cjn.v20i2.6742.

ABSTRACT

Background: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most prevalent entrapment syndrome in the upper limbs, for which pregnancy is a known risk factor. CTS diagnosis is confirmed via nerve conduction studies (NCSs), which sometimes is expensive, and the electrical stimulation makes it an unpleasant diagnostic modality, especially for pregnant subjects. Recently, high-frequency ultrasonography (HF-USG) is known as a diagnostic method. This study is concerned with determining the diagnostic value of this modality for CTS among pregnant women. Methods: This cross-sectional case-control study was conducted with 40 CTS cases and 40 matched controls. The HF-USG of wrists was performed bilaterally on all participants with a focus on the median nerve cross-sectional area (MNCSA) at the carpal tunnel (CT) inlet. Results: Mean MNCSA was statistically different between the CTS group (11.71 ± 1.86 mm², range: 8 to 18 mm²) and the control group (6.75 ± 1.38 mm², range: 4 to 11 mm²) (P < 0.001). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was drawn, and the cross-sectional area (CSA) cut-off point of 8.5 mm² showed sensitivity and specificity of 98% and 93%, respectively. The positive predictive value (PPV) and the negative predictive value (NPV) were 95% and 98%, respectively, with the mentioned point as the diagnostic threshold. Conclusion: HF-USG of the median nerve can be utilized as a preferable alternative to NCS (the current gold standard diagnostic method) in pregnant women, due to its convenience and lower cost, or at least, it can be used as a screening tool among pregnant women with suspicious symptoms.

PMID:38011444 | PMC:PMC8743181 | DOI:10.18502/cjn.v20i2.6742

Curr J Neurol. 2021 Apr 4;20(2):64-72. doi: 10.18502/cjn.v20i2.6741.

ABSTRACT

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory chronic disease of the central nervous system (CNS) which is related with unpredictable course and increasing disability. Social support as an available interpersonal resource may help patients with MS. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate perceived social support in patients with MS as well as the associated factors. Methods: The sample of this cross-sectional study included 200 patients with MS. Data collection was performed by the completion of the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) and a questionnaire which included patients’ characteristics. Results: Patients reported to perceive high support from significant others and their family (median: 24.0 and 23.5, respectively) and less from their friends (median: 20). Moreover, a statistically significant association was found between social support from significant others and marital status (P = 0.010), modification of daily activities (P = 0.018), difficulties with social and family environment (P ≤ 0.001 and P ≤ 0.001, respectively), frequent urination (P = 0.015), and whether they easily forgot (P = 0.049), characterized themselves as anxious (P = 0.049), and believed in God (P = 0.002). Also, a statistically significant association was fond between social support from family and relation with health professionals (P = 0.041), difficulties with social and family environment (P = 0.003 and P ≤ 0.001, respectively), and whether they considered themselves as anxious (P = 0.050), and they believed in God (P ≤ 0.001). Furthermore, a statistically significant association was found between support from friends and modification of daily activities (P = 0.010), help in daily activities (P = 0.016), need for movement assistance (P = 0.001), difficulties with social and family environment (P ≤ 0.001 and P = 0.005, respectively), and whether they considered themselves anxious (P = 0.046). Conclusion: Factors associated with perceived social support should be evaluated when planning holistic care to patients with MS.

PMID:38011438 | PMC:PMC8743177 | DOI:10.18502/cjn.v20i2.6741

Curr J Neurol. 2021 Oct 7;20(4):235-240. doi: 10.18502/cjn.v20i4.8350.

ABSTRACT

Background: Several surgical procedures such as excision or exclusion are recommended for the closure of the left atrial appendage (LAA). This study was conducted with the aim to evaluate the success rate of different surgical techniques for LAA closure, their respective complications, and the rate of post-surgical cerebrovascular accident (CVA). Methods: This retrospective study included 150 consecutive patients who underwent LAA closure most commonly after mitral valve surgery within 3 to 6 months after surgery. An expert echocardiographic fellow collected the data on patients’ surgical LAA closure methods and history of CVA, types of prosthetic valves, mortality, and bleeding. Results: The failure rate for complete LAA closure was 36.7% (55 patients) in our study. The greatest success rate of complete LAA closure was seen in purse-string method (75.5%), followed by resection method (71.4%), while the lowest success rate (≈ 33.3%) was observed in ligation method. A significant relationship was observed between clots on the surface of metallic valve and postoperative CVA (P = 0.001; likelihood ratio: 32).In multivariate analysis, there was also no statistically significant relationship between partial LAA closure and the incidence of post-surgical CVA (P > 0.050). Conclusion: We observed the highest success rate of complete LAA closure in purse-string method followed by resection method. Interestingly, our results showed that despite the higher rate of residual LAA clot in cases of partial LAA closure, the occurrence of post-surgical CVA was mostly related to the presence of clots on the surface of metallic mitral prostheses rather than the presence of partial LAA closure.

PMID:38011424 | PMC:PMC9107571 | DOI:10.18502/cjn.v20i4.8350

Nanoscale. 2023 Nov 27. doi: 10.1039/d3nr05569h. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Plasmonic metasurfaces made of perfectly regular 2D lattices of metallic nanoparticles deposited on surfaces or close to waveguides can exhibit hybridized plasmonic and photonic modes. The latter arise from the excitation of surface or guided modes through the in-plane coherent scattering of periodic arrays. Recently, laser-induced self-organization of random plasmonic metasurfaces has been used to create nanoparticle gratings embedded in protective layers. Despite the broad size distribution and positional disorder of nanoparticles, the resulting nanostructures exhibit strong coupling between plasmonic and photonic modes in transverse electric polarization, leading to dichroism, which is well-reproduced from one laser printing to another. Here, we examine quantitatively the effect of inhomogeneities at the nanoscale on the hybridization between localized plasmonic modes and delocalized guided modes by considering realistic laser-induced self-organized nanoparticle arrays embedded in a two-layer system. By referring to regular samples, we describe the optical mechanisms involved in the hybridization process at characteristic wavelengths, based on far and near field simulations. Two kinds of real samples are considered, featuring different levels of coupling between the plasmonic and photonic modes. The results demonstrate that controlling the statistical properties of plasmonic metasurfaces, such as the nanoparticle size distribution and average position, over areas a few micrometers wide is enough to control in a reproducible manner the hybridization mechanisms and their resulting optical properties. Thus, this study shows that the inherent irregularities of laser-induced self-organized nanostructures are compatible with smart functionalities of nanophotonics, and confirms that laser processing has huge potential for real-world applications.

PMID:38009459 | DOI:10.1039/d3nr05569h

Vet Med Sci. 2023 Nov 27. doi: 10.1002/vms3.1325. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Factors influencing parasitosis in cattle in Bangladesh remain inadequately explored, necessitating a comprehensive investigation for interventions and sustainable livestock farming.

OBJECTIVES: We conducted this study to estimate the prevalence and distribution of gastrointestinal parasites, exploring their intricate relationship with farm management practices across a spectrum of small-, medium-, and large-scale commercial farms.

METHODS: We conducted this study in the Chattogram district of Bangladesh. We collected a total of 189 freshly voided faecal samples from different farms. We recorded the age, breed, milking status, sex, body condition score, and anthelmintic use history of the sampled animals. We processed the samples using the direct smear method, with the identification of one egg per sample being considered positive.

RESULTS: We estimated the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasite infection in large-scale (52.1%), medium-scale (54.5%), and small-scale farms (70.0%), with statistically significant differences (p ≤ 0.05). Both pregnant and lactating cows, as well as indigenous cattle, were more likely to have gastrointestinal parasites (p ≤ 0.05). The predominant parasites across farms of all sizes were trematodes (Paramphistomum spp. and Schistosomas spp.) and protozoa (Balantidium coli and Coccidia spp.).

CONCLUSION: Poor farm management practices, such as no pasture management and inadequate deworming regimens, may contribute to the elevated prevalence and infection load observed on small-scale farms. The increased parasitosis in previously dewormed animals can be attributed to the development of anthelmintic resistance against gastrointestinal parasites. Implementing proper and effective deworming strategies is crucial to preventing gastrointestinal parasitosis and mitigating the risk of anthelmintic resistance.

PMID:38009452 | DOI:10.1002/vms3.1325

J Child Psychol Psychiatry. 2023 Nov 27. doi: 10.1111/jcpp.13919. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Early identification of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) continues to be a challenge despite universal screening efforts. One explanation is that screening tools have lower sensitivity and specificity than initial studies report when accounting for incomplete follow-up for all children screened. Sheldrick and colleagues used statistical modeling to demonstrate the impact on sensitivity and specificity when assumptions about the diagnostic outcome of children who do not pursue diagnostic evaluation are altered. Crucially, the work of Sheldrick et al. serves as a reminder that autism screening in primary care is just one component of the clinical assessment and should not be conflated with a diagnostic evaluation. Thus, lack of follow-up after a positive screen is a feature, not only a bug when using a screen in a clinical setting. Engaging families in shared decision-making around screening may help encourage follow-up, and thus, screening tool psychometric performance.

PMID:38009449 | DOI:10.1111/jcpp.13919