Effect of Long-term Peripheral Nerve Stimulation on Neuro-Muscular Complex Morphologic Recovery in Experiment / Efecto de la Estimulación del Nervio Periférico a Largo Plazo sobre la Recuperación Morfológica del Complejo Neuromuscular en Experimento

SUMMARY: Peripheral nerve injury is an extremely important medical and socio-economic problem. It is far from a solution, despite on rapid development of technologies. To study the effect of long-term electrical stimulation of peripheral nerves, we used a domestically produced electrical stimulation system, which is approved for clinical use. The study was performed on 28 rabbits. Control of regeneration was carried out after 3 month with morphologic techniques. The use of long-term electrostimulation technology leads to an improvement in the results of the recovery of the nerve trunk after an injury, both directly at the site of damage, when stimulation begins in the early period, and indirectly, after the nerve fibers reach the effector muscle.

La lesión de los nervios periféricos es un problema médico y socioeconómico extremadamente importante. Sin embargo, y a pesar del rápido desarrollo de las tecnologías, aún no tiene solución. Para estudiar el efecto de la estimulación eléctrica a largo plazo de los nervios periféricos, utilizamos un sistema de estimulación eléctrica de producción nacional, que está aprobado para uso clínico. El estudio se realizó en 28 conejos. El control de la regeneración se realizó a los 3 meses con técnicas morfológicas. El uso de tecnología de electro estimulación a largo plazo conduce a una mejora en los resultados de la recuperación del tronco nervioso después de una lesión, tanto directamente en el lugar del daño, cuando la estimulación comienza en el período temprano, como indirectamente, después de que las fibras nerviosas alcanzan el músculo efector.

Reabilitação vestibular: sua efetividade após a alta / Vestibular rehabilitation: Its effectiveness after discharge / Rehabilitación vestibular: su efectividad después del alta

ntrodução: A reabilitação vestibular é um tratamento para tontura crônica que utiliza exercícios personalizados visando restaurar o controle postural e reduzir a tontura. Pouco se discute na literatura sobre os benefícios em longo prazo desta intervenção. Objetivos: Descrever o perfil dos pacientes atendidos no Ambulatório de Reabilitação Vestibular e verificar a melhora do equilíbrio corporal após a alta fonoaudiológica. Métodos: Foram colhidas informações acerca dos dados sociodemográficos, diagnóstico, tratamento anterior e queixas existentes. As informações foram obtidas por contato telefônico e acesso aos prontuários. Os dados foram analisados estatisticamente utilizando nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: Participaram 26 indivíduos, sendo 21 (80,8%) do gênero feminino, com média de idade de 67 anos. A queixa principal foi tontura não rotatória. O resultado do teste vestibular mais comum foi hipofunção vestibular unilateral. Dentre os entrevistados, 25 (96,2%) relataram melhora dos sintomas com o tratamento, com redução da pontuação obtida no Dizziness Handicap Inventory. Sete participantes (26,9%) permaneceram assintomáticos desde o término da reabilitação. Aqueles que relataram ainda sentirem tontura, descreveram que esta possui menor intensidade que no período anterior à intervenção.Conclusão: Houve prevalência de indivíduos do gênero feminino, idosos, com ensino fundamental incompleto, sem diagnóstico otoneurológico estabelecido, com queixa de tontura não rotatória e resultado do teste vestibular de hipofunção vestibular unilateral.A reabilitação vestibular foi eficaz para redução dos sintomas apresentados. A exposição sucessiva aos exercícios após o tratamento auxilia na manutenção do equilíbrio. Contudo, a adesão à realização dos exercícios após a alta ainda é baixa. (AU)

Introduction: Vestibular rehabilitation is a treatment for chronic dizziness that uses personalized exercises aimed at restoring postural control and reducing dizziness. There is little discussion in the literature about the long-term benefits of this intervention. Objectives: To describe the profile of patients seen at the Vestibular Rehabilitation Outpatient Clinic and verify body balance improvement after speech-language-hearing therapy discharge. Methods: Sociodemographic data, diagnosis, previous treatment, and existing complaints were collected. The information was obtained via phone calls and medical records. The data were statistically analyzed using a significance level of 5%. Results: 26 individuals participated, of whom 21 (80.8%) were female, with a mean age of 67 years. The main complaint was non-rotational dizziness. The most common vestibular test result was unilateral vestibular hypofunction. Among the interviewees, 25 (96.2%) reported improved symptoms after the treatment, with reduced Dizziness Handicap Inventory scores. Seven participants (26.9%) remained asymptomatic since the end of rehabilitation. Those who still reported dizziness described it as less intense than before the intervention. Conclusion: There was a prevalence of females, older adults with incomplete middle school, no established otoneurological diagnosis, complaint of non-rotational dizziness, and vestibular test results of unilateral vestibular hypofunction. Vestibular rehabilitation effectively reduced the symptoms. Successive exposure to exercises after treatment helps maintain balance. However, adherence to exercise after discharge is still low. (AU)

Introducción: La rehabilitación vestibular es un tratamiento para la vértigo crónico que utiliza ejercicios personalizados con el objetivo de restaurar el control postural y reducir el vértigo. Hay poco debate en la literatura sobre los beneficios a largo plazo de esta intervención. Objetivos: Describir el perfil de los pacientes atendidos en el Ambulatorio de Rehabilitación Vestibular y verificar la mejora del equilibrio corporal después del alta fonoaudiológica. Métodos: Se recopilaron información sobre datos sociodemográficos, diagnóstico, tratamiento previo y quejas que aún persistían. La información se obtuvo por contacto telefónico y acceso a los registros médicos. Los datos se analizaron estadísticamente utilizando un nivel de significación del 5%. Resultados: Participaron 26 individuos, siendo 21 (80,8%) del género femenino, con una edad promedio de 67 años. La queja principal fue vértigo no rotatorio. El resultado del examen vestibular más común fue hipofunción vestibular unilateral. Entre los entrevistados, 25 (96,2%) informaron una mejora en los síntomas con el tratamiento, con una reducción en la puntuación obtenida en el Dizziness Handicap Inventory. Siete participantes (26,9%) permanecieron asintomáticos desde el final de la rehabilitación. Aquellos que informaron que todavía experimentaban vértigo describieron que este tenía una intensidad menor que en el período anterior a la intervención. Conclusión: Hubo una prevalencia de individuos del género femenino, ancianos, con educación primaria incompleta, sin un diagnóstico otoneurológico establecido, con queja de vértigo no rotatorio y un resultado del examen vestibular de hipofunción vestibular unilateral. La rehabilitación vestibular fue efectiva para reducir los síntomas presentados. La exposición sucesiva a los ejercicios después del tratamiento ayuda a mantener el equilibrio. Sin embargo, la adherencia a la realización de los ejercicios después del alta sigue siendo baja. (AU)

Oxidative stress and inflammatory process in borderline personality disorder (BPD): a narrative review

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a severe psychiatric condition that affects up to 2.7% of the population and is highly linked to functional impairment and suicide. Despite its severity, there is a lack of knowledge about its pathophysiology. Studies show genetic influence and childhood violence as factors that may contribute to the development of BPD; however, the involvement of neuroinflammation in BPD remains poorly investigated. This article aimed to explore the pathophysiology of BPD according to the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), inflammatory cytokines, and oxidative stress substances that exacerbate neuronal damage. Few articles have been published on this theme. They show that patients with BPD have a lower level of BDNF and a higher level of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6 in peripheral blood, associated with increased plasma levels of oxidative stress markers, such as malondialdehyde and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine. Therefore, more research on the topic is needed, mainly with a pre-clinical and clinical focus.

Clinical Research Progress of the Non-Peptide Oral Somatostatin Receptor Ligand Paltusotine / 罕见病研究

The research and development of somatostatin analogues is a hot area in endocrinology and metabolism. The first generation octreotide, lanreotide and the second generation pareotide have been approved to be effective for the treatment of neuroendocrine tumors such as acromegaly. However, paltusotine, a somatostatin receptor ligand, is a novel non-peptide small molecule drug which can be administered orally and inhibits excessive secretion of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor 1. This review summarizes the research progress of the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, clinical efficacy, telerability, and safety of paltusotine.

Combining vibroacoustic therapy with audio-visual feedback can improve the swallowing and the emotional state of survivors of a brainstem stroke / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

Objective:To observe any effect of combining vibroacoustic therapy with audio-visual feedback on the swallowing and the emotional state of persons with a swallowing disorder after a brainstem stroke.Methods:Fifty brainstem stroke survivors with dysphagia were randomly divided into a control group and a combination group, each of 25. In addition to routine swallowing function training, the control group received additional direct feeding training, while the combination group was provided with vibroacoustic feeding training and swallowing stimulation from an animated audio-visual presentation. Before and after the treatment, the subjects′ swallowing function was quantified using the Standard Swallowing Assessment (SSA) scale and the Gugging swallowing screen (GUSS). The Positive and Negative Emotions Scale (PNAS) was used to quantify their emotional state.Results:After the treatment the average SSA scores of both groups had decreased significantly, while the average GUSS and PNAS scores had increased significantly. The average improvements in all three measures were significantly greater in the combination group than in the control group.Conclusion:In addition to routine swallowing function training, feeding training applying vibroacoustics and audio-visual stimulation can significantly improve the feeding function and emotional state of brainstem stroke survivors with dysphagia.

Effects of raw and wine-processed Schisandra chinensis on neuro-endocrine-immune network in insomnia mice and its mechanism / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of raw and wine-processed Schisandra chinensis on neuro-immune-endocrine network in insomnia mice and its mechanism. METHODS Fifty mice were randomly divided into blank group， model group， diazepam group， raw S. chinensis group and wine-processed S. chinensis group， with 10 mice in each group. Except for blank group， the mice in the other groups were intraperitoneally injected with thyroxine solution to establish mice model of insomnia； at the end of each day’s modeling， the corresponding doses of diazepam，raw and wine-processed S. chinensis were given by gavage. The blank group and model group were given constant volume of normal saline. The general state of the mice was observed and recorded， and the total activity distance and upright times of the mice were detected； the EEG and EMG signals of mice were recorded， and the time ratio of sleep wake time （wake）， non-rapid eye movement （NREM） and rapid eye movement （REM） was analyzed； the contents of neurotransmitters [γ-aminobutyric acid （GABA）， 5-hydroxytryptamine （5-HT）， dopamine （DA）， norepinephrine （NE）， cortisol （CORT）] in brain suprachiasmatic nucleus （SCN） were detected； and the expressions of tumor necrosis factor α （TNF-α） and interleukin 1β （IL-1β） were detected； the mRNA expressions of clock gene Bmal1， circadian clock gene Clock and cycle gene Per2 were all detected. RESULTS Compared with the blank group， the mental state of the model group mice was relatively depressed， the amount of food and water increased， the body mass decreased， the hair was rough and shiny， and the circadian rhythm was irregular； the total activity distance and upright times decreased significantly； the time ratio of wake increased significantly， while the time ratios of REM and NREM decreased significantly； the content of 5- HT in brain SCN decreased significantly， while the content of NE， DA and CORT increased significantly； the fluorescence intensity of IL-1β and TNF-α was significantly increased； the relative expression level of Bmal1 and Clock mRNA was significantly increased， while the relative expression level of Per2 mRNA was significantly decreased （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Compared with the model group， the general state of mice in diazepam group， raw S. chinensis group and wine-processed S. chinensis group was improved obviously， and most of the above index levels were significantly reversed （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. CONCLUSIONS Raw and wine-processed S. chinensis have a certain therapeutic effect on insomnia mice， the mechanism of which may be related to the regulation of neuro-endocrine-immune system related biological indicators in insomnia mice.

Neuro-Physiotherapy at the Primary Health Care Level: Perception of Public Health Physicians

Background: There is consistent increase in chronic neurological conditions presenting at primary health care settings across the world. However, there is paucity of neuro-physiotherapy services and research on integrating neuro-physiotherapy to promote independence among thispopulation at primary health care settings. This study determined the perception of public health physicians on the integration of neuro-physiotherapy at the primary health care (PHC) level in Nigeria.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey using a validated and pre-tested questionnaire to retrieve data from 149 Public Health Physicians in Nigeria to determine their perception of neuro-physiotherapy at the primary health care level.Results: Majority of the participants 133 (89.3%) agreed to the need for neuro-rehabilitation care at primary health care level. 83 (55.7%) believed that the physiotherapists are competent enough to handle neuro-rehabilitation needs at the PHC level. The findings highlighted the challenges towards implementing neuro-rehabilitation at the primary health care level.Conclusion: The results revealed positive recommendations from public heath physicians in Nigeria towards the integration of neuro-physiotherapy services in primary health care.

NEUROFIBROMATOSIS ASSOCIATED DIFFUSE CYSTIC LUNG DISEASE

Neuro?bromatosis is an autosomal dominant disorder of neuroectodermal and mesenchymal origin, also known as Von Rechlinghausen disorder. It can also occur inherited or sporadically. A mutation of NF1 gene on chromosome 17q11.2 has been recognized as a disease prompter, and the spectrum of clinical phenotype is wide because of gene complexity, size and diversity of exons. In our article we are presenting a case of neuro?bromatosis associated with diffuse cystic lung disease.

Total serum cholesterol level in patients with major depressive disorder: Simple yet undermined

Human brain cholesterol acts as structural components of cellular membrane, synapse and dendrite formation.Researchers have found a possible association between low serum cholesterol levels and mood disorders though the literature from India in this regard is limited. To estimate serum levels of total cholesterol in patients with major depressive disorder. 75 patients of MDD were compared with equal number of age and sex matched controls. 5 ml of fasting sample of blood was obtained in a plain vacutainer to analyse total cholesterol level by Cholesterol oxidase-peroxidase method. Statistical analysis: The obtained results were tabulated and analyzed by multiple logistic regression analysis, independent t-test, Chi-square test and area under the curve. The mean level of cholesterol in cases (158.85±61.22 mg/dL) which was significantly lower compared to the controls (182.71±40.98 mg/dL) with P <0.01. The symptoms of MDD negatively correlated with lower serum cholesterol level with odds ratio of 0.99. There was statistically significant lower level of cholesterol in the MDD group below 140 mg/dL compared to the control group with P <0.001. As the measurement of total serum cholesterol is simple and cost effective, it can be used as an important biochemical marker for MDD.

Enfermedad de Charcot de pie y tobillo en pacientes con diabetes mellitus: análisis de las causas de re consultas en una unidad de pie diabético hospitalaria / Charcot´s disease of the foot and ankle in diabetic patients: analysis of the reasons for re admission at the hospital diabetic unity / Neuroartropatía de Charcot do pé e tornozelo em pacientes com diabetes mellitus: análise das causas das novas consultas em uma unidade de pés diabéticos do hospital

La neuroartropatia de Charcot es una complicación devastadora para los pacientes diabéticos, generando deformidades osteoarticulares con riesgo de ulceración, infección y amputación de miembros inferiores. El objetivo fue analizar en una población de pacientes diabéticos con secuela de neuroartropatía de Charcot, el motivo de re consulta y los tratamientos a los que fueron sometidos. El mismo se realizó en forma retrospectiva mediante observación de historias clínicas y estudios radiológicos de 22 pacientes tratados entre 2014 y 2018 en el Hospital Policial de Montevideo - Uruguay, con un tiempo de evolución mínimo de un año al momento de la revisión. Se contó con la aprobación del Comité de Ética de dicho hospital habiéndose completado un formulario con datos demográficos, tratamiento inicial, causas de las re consultas y tratamientos secundarios. Si bien al inicio de la enfermedad se siguieron los protocolos de tratamiento con alto nivel de recomendación, se observaron en las re consultas elevados porcentajes de re ulceración y necesidad de cirugías complementarias (59%). Se vinculan los resultados a la falta de categorización de paciente de riesgo para lograr seguimiento y captación precoz. El categorizar al paciente de riesgo permite establecer estrategias de educación y de tratamientos tendientes a disminuir porcentajes de nuevas lesiones que lleven a la necesidad de tratamientos secundarios o amputaciones.

One of the most devastating complications within diabetic patients is Diabetic Charcot neuroarthropathy. It can lead to osteoarticular deformities, with risk of ulceration, infection or even lower limb amputation. In this paper, a population of diabetic patients with Charcot neuroarthropathy sequelae was studied. Data was analyzed on the reasons for the patients re consultation, the treatments they were subjected to and the obtained results. The study was conducted retrospectively by the examination of medical records from 22 patients that were treated between 2014 and 2018, with a follow-up of at least a year, at the Hospital Policial in Montevideo, Uruguay. Furthermore, it had the hospital's Ethics Committee approval. The data analysis was conducted by the completion of a form including demographic data, initial treatment, reasons for re consultation and secondary treatments. According to the findings, even though highly recommended protocols were followed at the onset of the disease, high percentage of ulceration and complementary surgeries were observed (59%) within the patient's data. The results are linked to the lack of risk patient´s categorization in order to achieve early uptake. Categorizing the patient at risk makes it possible to establish health education and treatment strategies aimed at reducing percentages of new injuries that lead to the need for secondary treatments or amputations.

A neuroartropatia de Charcot é uma complicação devastadora para os pacientes com diabetes, gerando deformidades osteoarticulares residuais com risco de úlceras, infecção e amputação maior dos membros inferiores. O objetivo foi analisar em uma população de pacientes diabéticos com sequelas da neuroartropatia de Charcot, o motivo da nova consulta e os tratamentos a que foram submetidos, bem como os resultados obtidos. Foi realizado retrospectivamente por meio de observação de histórias clinicas e estudos radiológicos de 22 pacientes atendidos no periodo de 2014 a 2018 no Hospital da Polícia de Montevidéu - Uruguai, com tempo de evolução mínimo de um ano na época da revisão. Foi aprovado pelo Comité de Ética do referido hospital, tendo sido preenchido um formulário com dados demográficos, tratamento inicial, causas das novas consultas e tratamentos secundários. Embora protocolos de tratamento com alto nível de recomendação tenham sido seguidos no início da doença, elevados percentuais de re ulcerações e cirurgias complementares (59%) foram observados nas novas consultas. Os resultados estão ligados à falta de categorização dos pacientes de risco para obter captação precoces A categorização do paciente de risco permite estabelecer estratégias de educação e tratamento com o objetivo de reduzir os percentuais de novas lesões que levam à necessidade de tratamentos secundários ou amputações.

Cerebrovascular changes in neuro-Behcet's disease and neuropsychiatric lupus by transcranial Doppler ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging

ABSTRACT Introduction: Transcranial Doppler ultrasonography (TCD) is a technique that allows measurement of blood flow from the basal intracerebral vessels. It is relatively inexpensive, non-invasive, can be performed at the bedside, and allows monitoring in acute emergency settings and for prolonged periods with a high temporal resolution, making it ideal for studying the haemodynamics within the intracranial arteries in neuro-Behcet's disease (NBD) and neuro-psychiatric lupus (NPSLE). Our aim was to assess the cerebral haemodynamic patterns in patients with NBD and NPSLE using TCD, while brain lesions were examined using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Material and methods: Case-control prospective study of 30 neuro-Behcet's disease patients, 25 neuro-psychiatric lupus patients and 26 healthy age-matched volunteers. All patients and healthy controls were examined by TCD. Only the groups of patients underwent cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Results: Transcranial Doppler (TCD) values for middle cerebral artery (MCA), anterior cerebral artery (ACA), posterior cerebral artery (PCA), vertebral artery (VA) and basilar artery (BA) in NBD, NPSLE and control groups were measured. The results showed that there was a significant decrease in mean blood flow velocities in all the arteries examined in NBD and NPSLE patients. There was also a significant increase in the pulsatile index of PCA, VA and BA between NBD and NPSLE patients. The same results were obtained when comparing NBD versus controls. However, there was no significant difference between the NPSLE patients and the control group. The MRI lesions described were parenchymal lesions in 14 patients (46.7%), and vascular lesions in 4 patients (13.3%). Vascular lesions co-existed with parenchymal lesions (mixed lesion). Parenchymal lesions were in white matter (40%), thalamus (26.7%), brain stem (26.7%) and cerebellum (20%). While, in NPSLE, 23 patients were normal (92%) and only two patients had a vascular lesion (8%). Conclusion: There was a significant decrease in mean blood flow and a significant increase in the pulsatile index among both NBD and NPSLE patients, according to the TCD values.

A case of neuro retinitis in association with COVID-19

A 36?year?old female presented with blurring of vision in one eye for 10 days after 1 month of an episode of COVID?19 infection. Her fundus showed disc edema with blurring of margins along with exudation around the fovea. Her C?reactive protein levels were raised. She responded well to oral steroids. A likely association with COVID?19 infection and its associated immune response was suspected.

Study of Neuro-developmental Outcome of Preterm Babies Using Risk Stratification Score at a Tertiary Care Hospital

Introduction : Recent advances and improvements in technology in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) over the past few decades have increased th survival of preterm infants. India ranks first amongst the number of preterm birth. Though the survival of preterm babies have increased Neuro-developmental morbidity amongst such babies still persist. Through this study we aim to establish a risk stratification tool and predict neurodevelopmental delay at 1 year of age. Materials and Methods : A total number of 77 babies were enrolled in the study after fulfilment of inclusion and exclusion criteria. Follow up till 1 year of age of corrected gestational age was done. Development assessment was done through Child Development Centre (CDC) grading, Amile-Tison Angle, Developmental Observation Card, Trivandrum Developmental Screening Chart and development quotient. Vision and Hearing Assessment was also done. Conclusion : Neuro-developmental outcome prediction at 1 year of age is inadequate and proper long term follow p is needed. Overall preterm babies needing extensive resuscitation and 5 minute APGAR <6 had much poor neurological outcome.

Trans-radial cerebral angiography-safety, efficacy and patient comfort: review of literature

A diagnostic cerebral angiography is a vital tool in the planning and management of various cerebrovascular conditions. Newer angiographic modalities, such as digital subtraction angiography offers dynamic imaging of the cerebral blood flow and is the preferred diagnostic modality of choice when a subsequent intervention is contemplated. Traditionally, the transfemoral route at the groin was used as the site for vascular access. However, landmark randomised controlled trials in the field of interventional cardiology have demonstrated the safety, efficacy and patient comfort attained by employing a trans-radial access for angiography and interventions. This has spawned numerous studies which were directed explicitly towards cerebral angiography and neuro-intervention. We present this review of literature to consolidate the current practices and to encourage the neuro-interventionalists to shift to a radial first approach.

Bilateral sequential non-arteritic optic neuropathy post-COVID-19

Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID?19) has been documented to have a spectrum of neuro?ophthalmic manifestations. However, bilateral non?arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) post?COVID?19 has not been reported in the literature. We studied the case of a 45?year?old male who presented to our outpatient department (OPD) with bilateral blurring of vision following an episode of COVID?19, 1 month back. Examination and investigations were conclusive of a bilateral NAION. The patient was given a trial of oral steroids. However, the vision loss could not be recovered. Thus, through this case report, we would like to highlight the importance of a close follow?up of patients following COVID?19 infection to detect any sequelae

SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations reduce the prevalence of post-COVID Guillain-Barre syndrome

Abstract Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) has been repeatedly reported as a neurological complication of COVID-19 (post-COVID GBS [PCG]). Whether the introduction of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines reduced the prevalence of PCG is unknown. This narrative review aimed to compare the number of published PCG cases between the second half of 2020 (no vaccination available) with those of the first half of 2021 (vaccination available). A total of 124 articles reported 300 patients with PCG between January 2020 and June 2021. The ages ranged from 7 to 94y. There was male dominance. The latency between the onset of COVID-19 and the onset of PCG ranged from -10 to 90d Acute, inflammatory, demyelinating polyneuropathy was diagnosed in 171 patients, acute, motor axonal neuropathy in 24, and acute, motor, and sensory axonal neuropathy in 16 patients. Regarding treatment, 241 patients received immunoglobulins, 28 patients' plasmaphereses, and 7 patients' steroids. Artificial ventilation was required in 59 patients. Full recovery was achieved in 42 cases, partial recovery in 163 cases, and 17 patients died. The number of published PCG patients fell from 192 in the second half of 2020 to 75 patients in the first half of 2021. It is concluded that the prevalence of PCG has decreased since the introduction of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations have a positive effect on the prevalence of PCG. HIGHLIGHTS SARS-CoV-2 infections can be complicated by Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS). The prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 associated GBS declined since the introduction of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. The outcome of SARS-CoV-2 associated GBS is worse among those with comorbidities compared to those without.

Central nervous system high-grade neuroepithelial tumor with BCOR alteration: a short report

Central nervous system high-grade neuroepithelial tumors with BCOR alteration are rare. Currently, there are only 24 cases reported in the literature. These tumors are characterized by a change involving the BCOR gene and have a poor prognosis. Studies are needed to improve the current therapy and outcomes of these neoplasms. This case report describes the clinical history of a patient with this disease and aims to contribute to the current knowledge about this new entity.

The application of two flap dissection methods in the standard large decompressive craniectomy / 中国医师杂志

Objective:To compare the application effect of electrotome flap separation and neuro dissector in standard large decompressive craniectomy (SLDC).Methods:From January 2020 to December 2020, 40 patients with severe craniocerebral injury who met the standard and planned to undergo SLDC were randomly divided into two groups: 20 patients in the electrotome separation group and 20 patients in the nerve dissector group. The time of flap seperation, the degree of edema and atrophy of temporal muscle on the operation side were compared between the two groups.Results:There was no significant difference in the time of flap separation between the two groups [(20.91±12.33)min vs (29.92±12.69)min, t=1.799, P>0.05]. The patients in the two groups had different degrees of temporal muscle edema 48 hours after operation. The degree of temporal muscle edema in the electrotome separation group was more serious than that in the nerve dissector group [(18.82±5.23)cm 3 vs (10.71±3.69)cm 3,t=7.314, P<0.05]. The degree of temporal muscle atrophy in the electrotome separation group was higher than that in the nerve dissector group [(8.26±2.38)cm 3 vs (6.72±2.13)cm 3,t=2.314, P<0.05]. Conclusions:In SLDC surgery, there was no significant difference in flap separation time between electrotome separation flap method and neuro dissector flap separation method, but the latter had less damage to temporal muscle and less atrophy of temporal muscle after operation.

Stress reduction via neuro-emotional technique to achieve the simultaneous resolution of chronic low back pain with multiple inflammatory and biobehavioural indicators: A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial / 中西医结合学报

BACKGROUND@#Beginning with the concepts of stress developed by Selye, an approach to stress and pain management, known as neuro-emotional technique (NET), has been developed. It is a treatment approach based on the principle that the stressor effects of dormant and/or current unresolved issues or trauma are what determine one's bodily responses. These responses are relatively personalized to the conditioned, experiential and emotional reality of the individual.@*OBJECTIVE@#To determine the effect of NET on patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP) over time.@*DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, AND INTERVENTIONS@#In a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study conducted in a single clinic, NET or control treatments were given twice weekly for 4 weeks in a population of 112 patients.@*MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES@#Outcome measures, including Oswestry Disability Index, Quadruple Visual Analogue Scale, the psychoneuroimmunology markers of blood serum levels of C-reactive protein, tumour necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1 (IL-1), IL-6, and IL-10, and 10 dimensions of the Short Form Health Survey scale, were assessed at baseline and at 1, 3 and 6 months following the intervention period.@*RESULTS@#Compared to placebo, NET produced clinical and statistical significance (P < 0.001) via declines of virtually all physiological, pain and disability markers, accompanied by gains in quality-of-life indicators at 0 (baseline), 1, 3 and 6 months. Reductions of the percentages of patients whose 5 biomarkers lay outside the normative range were achieved at 1, 3 and 6 months by NET but not control interventions.@*CONCLUSION@#A randomized, controlled trial of CLBP patients indicated that 8 NET interventions, compared to placebo, produced clinically and statistically significant reductions in pain, disability and inflammatory biomarkers, and improvements in quality-of-life measures.@*TRIAL REGISTRATION@#The trial was registered with the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (No. ACTRN12608000002381).

Research progress on the effective components of traditional Chinese medicine for improving AD-related cognitive impairment / 药学学报

Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other aging-related diseases have become an important public health issue in China. However, current clinical drugs have failed to reverse the pathological process of AD. The holistic approach of traditional Chinese medicine offers advantages in improving cognitive function in AD through multiple molecular pathways, and may have potential for preventing AD. This paper summarizes the effects of classical traditional Chinese medicine and its active components in the improvement of AD-related cognitive dysfunction and describes the functional targets and related molecular mechanisms. This may have significance for the prevention and treatment of AD through multi-target intervention.