Connectivity measures in the Poffenberger paradigm indicate hemispheric asymmetries.
In this study we used connectivity measures in an attempt to interpret CUD from the perspective of functional connectivity. Accordingly, we tried to define functional couplings in the Poffenberger paradigm; we used a simple choice version of the paradigm, and included a stimulation only (SO) condition for comparison. As an index of functional coupling we employed partial directed coherence, exploiting bilateral grouping of the electrodes to compute intra-and interhemispheric connection weight ratios (CWRs). Our findings indicated modulations in functional weights in relation to the SO condition, rather than the crossed and...
Source: Functional Neurology - January 12, 2017 Category: Neurology Tags: Funct Neurol Source Type: research
Main effects and interactions of cerebral hemispheres, gender, and age in the calculation of volumes and asymmetries of selected structures of episodic memory.
Authors: Ramirez-Carmona R, Garcia-Lazaro HG, Dominguez-Corrales B, Aguilar-Castañeda E, Roldan-Valadez E
Abstract
The aim of this study was to clarify the influence of anatomical (cerebral hemisphere) and demographic (age and gender) variables on the gray matter (GM) volumes and volumetric asymmetry indices (VAIs) of selected structures involved in episodic memory. A cross-sectional study was performed in 47 healthy volunteers. Neuropsychological evaluation revealed similar IQs across the sample. Using SPM-based software, brain segmentation, labeling and volume measurements of the hippocampus, amygdala, ...
Source: Functional Neurology - January 12, 2017 Category: Neurology Tags: Funct Neurol Source Type: research
The challenge of in vivo tissue characterization, connectivity and big data.
Authors: Gandini Wheeler-Kingshott C
PMID: 27976607 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Functional Neurology)
Source: Functional Neurology - December 17, 2016 Category: Neurology Tags: Funct Neurol Source Type: research
Network functional connectivity and whole-brain functional connectomics to investigate cognitive decline in neurodegenerative conditions.
Authors: Dipasquale O, Cercignani M
Abstract
Non-invasive mapping of brain functional connectivity (FC) has played a fundamental role in neuroscience, and numerous scientists have been fascinated by its ability to reveal the brain's intricate morphology and functional properties. In recent years, two different techniques have been developed that are able to explore FC in pathophysiological conditions and to provide simple and non-invasive biomarkers for the detection of disease onset, severity and progression. These techniques are independent component analysis, which allows a network-based functional expl...
Source: Functional Neurology - December 17, 2016 Category: Neurology Tags: Funct Neurol Source Type: research
Modeling white matter microstructure.
Authors: Duval T, Stikov N, Cohen-Adad J
Abstract
Quantitative magnetic resonance imaging can be combined with advanced biophysical models to measure microstructural features of white matter. Non-invasive microstructural imaging has the potential to revolutionize neuroscience, and acquiring these measures in clinically feasible times would greatly improve patient monitoring and clinical studies of drug efficacy. However, a good understanding of microstructural imaging techniques is essential to set realistic expectations and to prevent over-interpretation of results. This review explains the methodology be...
Source: Functional Neurology - December 14, 2016 Category: Neurology Tags: Funct Neurol Source Type: research
Main effects and interactions of cerebral hemispheres, gender, and age in the calculation of volumes and asymmetries of selected structures of episodic memory.
Authors: Ramirez-Carmona R, Garcia-Lazaro HG, Dominguez-Corrales B, Aguilar-Castañeda E, Roldan-Valadez E
Abstract
The aim of this study was to clarify the influence of anatomical (cerebral hemisphere) and demographic (age and gender) variables on the gray matter (GM) volumes and volumetric asymmetry indices (VAIs) of selected structures involved in episodic memory. A cross-sectional study was performed in 47 healthy volunteers. Neuropsychological evaluation revealed similar IQs across the sample. Using SPM-based software, brain segmentation, labeling and volume measurements of the hippocampus, amygdala, ...
Source: Functional Neurology - December 3, 2016 Category: Neurology Tags: Funct Neurol Source Type: research
Impact of cerebellar atrophy on cortical gray matter and cerebellar peduncles as assessed by voxel-based morphometry and high angular resolution diffusion imaging.
We examined a cohort of patients suffering from cerebellar atrophy resulting in ataxia, with two main objectives: first to investigate which regions of the cerebrum were affected by the cerebellar degeneration, and second to assess whether diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) metrics within the medial (MCP) and superior cerebellar peduncle (SCP) - namely fractional anisotropy (FA) and radial diffusivity (RD) - could be used as a biomarker in patients with this condition. Structural and dMRI data of seven patients with cerebellar atrophy (2 with spinocerebellar atrophy type 2, 1 with Friedreich's ataxia, 4 with idiop...
Source: Functional Neurology - October 28, 2016 Category: Neurology Tags: Funct Neurol Source Type: research
Connectivity measures in the Poffenberger paradigm indicate hemispheric asymmetries.
In this study we used connectivity measures in an attempt to interpret CUD from the perspective of functional connectivity. Accordingly, we tried to define functional couplings in the Poffenberger paradigm; we used a simple choice version of the paradigm, and included a stimulation only (SO) condition for comparison. As an index of functional coupling we employed partial directed coherence, exploiting bilateral grouping of the electrodes to compute intra-and interhemispheric connection weight ratios (CWRs). Our findings indicated modulations in functional weights in relation to the SO condition, rather than the crossed and...
Source: Functional Neurology - October 28, 2016 Category: Neurology Tags: Funct Neurol Source Type: research
Magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography in the diagnosis of neurodegenerative dementias.
Authors: Del Sole A, Malaspina S, Magenta Biasina A
Abstract
Neuroimaging, both with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET), has gained a pivotal role in the diagnosis of primary neurodegenerative diseases. These two techniques are used as biomarkers of both pathology and progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and to differentiate AD from other neurodegenerative diseases. MRI is able to identify structural changes including patterns of atrophy characterizing neurodegenerative diseases, and to distinguish these from other causes of cognitive impairment, e.g. infarcts, space...
Source: Functional Neurology - October 28, 2016 Category: Neurology Tags: Funct Neurol Source Type: research
Women with epilepsy.
Authors: Sharma A, Boller F, Koubeissi M
PMID: 27678204 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Functional Neurology)
Source: Functional Neurology - October 1, 2016 Category: Neurology Tags: Funct Neurol Source Type: research
Women with epilepsy: clinically relevant issues.
Authors: Bangar S, Shastri A, El-Sayeh H, Cavanna AE
Abstract
Women with epilepsy (WWE) face specific challenges throughout their lifespan due to the effects of seizures and antiepileptic drugs on hormonal function, potentially affecting both sexual and reproductive health. This review article addresses the most common issues of practical relevance to clinicians treating WWE: epidemiology and clinical presentations (including catamenial epilepsy), contraception, reproductive and sexual dysfunction, pregnancy, lactation, menopause-related issues (including bone health), and mental health aspects. Awareness ...
Source: Functional Neurology - October 1, 2016 Category: Neurology Tags: Funct Neurol Source Type: research
Clinical and genetic investigation of a Brazilian family with Huntington's disease.
Authors: Agostinho LA, Spitz M, Pereira JS, Paiva CL
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate a Brazilian family carrying full penetrance alleles for Huntington's disease (HD) in order to correlate each member's genetic and clinical features. To this end, the following scales were administered in each patient: the Beck Depression Inventory, the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Unified Huntington's Disease Rating Scale (UHDRS). The patterns of CAG and CCG polymorphic regions in the HTT gene were determined, the disease burden score was calculated, and genotypes were correlated with phen...
Source: Functional Neurology - October 1, 2016 Category: Neurology Tags: Funct Neurol Source Type: research
Spectrum of cognitive disorders in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus.
Authors: Picascia M, Minafra B, Zangaglia R, Gracardi L, Pozzi NG, Sinforiani E, Pacchetti C
Abstract
Idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) is a syndrome characterized by ventricular dilation accompanied by a progressive triad of a gait disturbance, "dementia" and incontinence. We retrospectively evaluated cognitive profile, and its relationship with disease variables, in 64 iNPH patients. The iNPH group performed significantly worse than the control group on all neuropsychological tests, except for verbal memory (within the normal range). The patients were subdivided into four groups: group 1 (4...
Source: Functional Neurology - October 1, 2016 Category: Neurology Tags: Funct Neurol Source Type: research
New test of odor pleasantness in Parkinson's disease.
This study shows that the NTOP is a valuable method within the complex array of olfactory screening tools used in PD.
PMID: 27678208 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Functional Neurology)
Source: Functional Neurology - October 1, 2016 Category: Neurology Tags: Funct Neurol Source Type: research
Incidence and predictors of stroke during the index event in an ethnically diverse Takotsubo cardiomyopathy population.
Authors: Dias A, Franco E, Janzer S, Koshkelashvili N, Bhalla V, Rubio M, Amanullah S, Hebert K, Figueredo VM
Abstract
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTS) is a peculiar clinical condition often affecting postmenopausal women after a stressful trigger. The underlying mechanisms have not been completely elucidated but several hypotheses have been advanced, with catecholamine cardiotoxicity, microvascular dysfunction and coronary artery spasm each suggested to play a role. The incidence of stroke after TTS appears to range from 0% to 7.7%, and interestingly TTS has been described as both a cause and a complication...
Source: Functional Neurology - October 1, 2016 Category: Neurology Tags: Funct Neurol Source Type: research
