Magnetoencephalography

Author(s):  
Paul L. Furlong ◽  
Elaine Foley ◽  
Caroline Witton ◽  
Stefano Seri

For presurgical assessments for resection of an epileptogenic lesion or zone, evaluations over the last 20 years have established magnetoencephalography (MEG) as a valuable tool in routine clinical practice in both adult and paediatric age groups. MEG can accurately localize both ictal and inter-ictal spike sources. MEG yields important additional information in around 30% of patients with epilepsy of suspected neocortical origin, aiding in the modification or extension of invasive measurements. Seizure freedom is most likely to occur when there is concordance between electroencephalogram (EEG) and MEG localization, and least likely to occur when these results are divergent. In some patients, invasive recordings may not be viable or repeatable. In these cases, MEG localization frequently provides additional information for planning surgery. Recent developments in technology for movement compensation and enhanced noise reduction provide optimism for continually improving outcomes of MEG-enhanced presurgical evaluations.

Fractals ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (04) ◽  
pp. 1850051 ◽  
Author(s):  
HAMIDREZA NAMAZI ◽  
SAJAD JAFARI

It is known that aging affects neuroplasticity. On the other hand, neuroplasticity can be studied by analyzing the electroencephalogram (EEG) signal. An important challenge in brain research is to study the variations of neuroplasticity during aging for patients suffering from epilepsy. This study investigates the variations of the complexity of EEG signal during aging for patients with epilepsy. For this purpose, we employed fractal dimension as an indicator of process complexity. We classified the subjects in different age groups and computed the fractal dimension of their EEG signals. Our investigations showed that as patients get older, their EEG signal will be more complex. The method of investigation that has been used in this study can be further employed to study the variations of EEG signal in case of other brain disorders during aging.


Author(s):  
Mario Plebani ◽  
Monica Maria Mion ◽  
Martina Zaninotto

In the last years, major advances have been achieved in the understanding of the molecular and pathophysiological mechanisms which underlie the complex interactions between the heart and the kidney, as well as between the heart and the liver. According to these new insights, innovative biomarkers have been proposed for better evaluating and monitoring patients affected by cardiovascular diseases. In addition, some biomarkers should be used as risk factors and for an early identification and treatment of these severe diseases. This chapter reviews the most important biomarkers for evaluating the 'cardiorenal syndrome', in particular, the measurement of serum creatinine and its use for calculating the glomerular filtration rate which, with the new and more efficient equation, namely Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI), still remains the most widely used biomarker. The role of newer biomarkers will be explored. The measurement of cystatin C, representing additional information, particularly in paediatric age groups and in the early phase of kidney disease, plays an increasing role. Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) is a recently developed but largely used biomarker for the early diagnosis of acute kidney injury, while the well-known albumin/creatinine ratio has been re-evaluated as a simple and useful tool for an early identification of kidney disease. Regarding liver diseases, a growing body of evidence demonstrates the usefulness of non-invasive makers of hepatic fibrosis that may avoid the need for a liver biopsy in most patients. A promising field of research is represented by the role of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease.


The review article discusses the possibilities of using fractal mathematical analysis to solve scientific and applied problems of modern biology and medicine. The authors show that only such an approach, related to the section of nonlinear mechanics, allows quantifying the chaotic component of the structure and function of living systems, that is a priori important additional information and expands, in particular, the possibilities of diagnostics, differential diagnosis and prediction of the course of physiological and pathological processes. A number of examples demonstrate the specific advantages of using fractal analysis for these purposes. The conclusion can be made that the expanded use of fractal analysis methods in the research work of medical and biological specialists is promising.


2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shijun Yang ◽  
Bin Wang ◽  
Xiong Han

AbstractAlthough antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are the most effective treatment for epilepsy, 30–40% of patients with epilepsy would develop drug-refractory epilepsy. An accurate, preliminary prediction of the efficacy of AEDs has great clinical significance for patient treatment and prognosis. Some studies have developed statistical models and machine-learning algorithms (MLAs) to predict the efficacy of AEDs treatment and the progression of disease after treatment withdrawal, in order to provide assistance for making clinical decisions in the aim of precise, personalized treatment. The field of prediction models with statistical models and MLAs is attracting growing interest and is developing rapidly. What’s more, more and more studies focus on the external validation of the existing model. In this review, we will give a brief overview of recent developments in this discipline.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benedikt Hofmeister ◽  
Celina von Stülpnagel ◽  
Cornelia Betzler ◽  
Francesca Mari ◽  
Alessandra Renieri ◽  
...  

AbstractNicolaides–Baraitser syndrome (NCBRS), caused by a mutation in the SMARCA2 gene, which goes along with intellectual disability, congenital malformations, especially of face and limbs, and often difficult-to-treat epilepsy, is surveyed focusing on epilepsy and its treatment. Patients were recruited via “Network Therapy of Rare Epilepsies (NETRE)” and an international NCBRS parent support group. Inclusion criterion is NCBRS-defining SMARCA2 mutation. Clinical findings including epilepsy classification, anticonvulsive treatment, electroencephalogram (EEG) findings, and neurodevelopmental outcome were collected with an electronic questionnaire. Inclusion of 25 NCBRS patients with epilepsy in 23 of 25. Overall, 85% of the participants (17/20) reported generalized seizures, the semiology varied widely. EEG showed generalized epileptogenic abnormalities in 53% (9/17), cranial magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI) was mainly inconspicuous. The five most frequently used anticonvulsive drugs were valproic acid (VPA [12/20]), levetiracetam (LEV [12/20]), phenobarbital (PB [8/20]), topiramate (TPM [5/20]), and carbamazepine (CBZ [5/20]). LEV (9/12), PB (6/8), TPM (4/5), and VPA (9/12) reduced the seizures' frequency in more than 50%. Temporary freedom of seizures (>6 months) was reached with LEV (4/12), PB (3/8), TPM (1/5, only combined with PB and nitrazepam [NZP]), and VPA (4/12). Seizures aggravation was observed under lamotrigine (LTG [2/4]), LEV (1/12), PB (1/8), and VPA (1/12). Ketogenic diet (KD) and vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) reduced seizures' frequency in one of two each. This first worldwide retrospective analysis of anticonvulsive therapy in NCBRS helps to treat epilepsy in NCBRS that mostly shows only initial response to anticonvulsive therapy, especially with LEV and VPA, but very rarely shows complete freedom of seizures in this, rather genetic than structural epilepsy.


1992 ◽  
Vol 55 (9) ◽  
pp. 343-346 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel Lycett

This study investigated the relevance of an occupational assessment, based on the model of human occupation, with elderly patients on rehabilitation wards. The assessment was implemented and evaluated on a three-part questionnaire administered by occupational therapists. The assessment showed some importance when establishing the needs of and planning treatment for this patient group. In particular, it collected important additional information about the patients' values and attitudes. The model was shown to be of particular benefit in one hospital and more relevant to patients expected to require longer-term treatment and those who had had a stroke.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Taklo Simeneh Yazie ◽  
Belayneh Kefale ◽  
Mulugeta Molla

Background. The prevalence and incidence rate of epilepsy were found to be higher in low- and middle-income countries. Uncontrolled epilepsy has a high risk of disability, stigma, discrimination, human rights violations, and premature death. The available studies of controlled seizure in Ethiopia have showed inconsistent results which calls for systematic review and meta-analysis. Therefore, this review intended to show the pooled prevalence of controlled seizure among people with epilepsy receiving antiepileptic drugs at outpatient department. Methods. A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed/Medline, Science Direct, PsycINFO, Hinnarri databases, and Google Scholar for grey literatures. Data were extracted with structured format prepared using Microsoft Excel and exported to Stata/MP 16.0 software for analyses. The I 2 test was used to check the heterogeneity between primary studies with a corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI). Results. A total of 23 primary studies were included in the review showing the pooled prevalence of controlled seizure to be 46% (95% CI: 35, 56). A subgroup analysis of the primary studies showed a considerable variation in magnitude of seizure freedom by study regions, age groups, and seizure-free period. The highest prevalence was found in Addis Ababa 52% (95% CI: 29, 75), pediatric patients 77% (95% CI: 71, 83), and a seizure-free period of less than six months 58% (95% CI: 32, 83). On the other hand, the lowest prevalence of controlled seizure was found in Tigray 27% (95% CI: 11, 65), adult patients 43% (95% CI: 32, 54), and a seizure-free period of six or more 41% (95% CI: 32, 51). Higher frequency of seizure before treatment (2.23, 95% CI: 1.15, 3.31) and medication nonadherence (2.7, 95% CI: 1.25, 4.15) had statistically significant association with uncontrolled seizure. Conclusion. In this review, the prevalence of controlled seizure was found to be low. This warrants that clinicians should give more focus to epileptic patients regarding monitoring and evaluation of treatment outcome of epilepsy and factors that affect seizure control in routine clinical services. The use of standardized definition of controlled seizure, designing strategies to identify pharmacoresistant epilepsy and its treatment, and increasing medication adherence are recommended in Ethiopia. The review protocol has been registered with PROSPERO registration number CRD42021215302.


2019 ◽  
Vol 55 (No. 2) ◽  
pp. 93-101 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francisco Teodoro Arroyo Cordero ◽  
Rocío Rodríguez-Arcos ◽  
Ana Jiménez-Araujo ◽  
Rafael Guillén-Bejarano ◽  
María José Basallote ◽  
...  

Glucosinolate extracts from sprouts of common Brassica nigra, B. juncea cv. Scala, B. carinata cv. Eleven, and Sinapis alba cv. Ludique were analysed by reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection-mass spectrometry. The effect of the glucosinolate–myrosinase system on in vitro mycelial growth of Phytophthora cinnamomi Rands and Pythium spiculum B. Paul was assessed. Likewise, sinigrin and sinalbin monohydrate commercial standards were also tested. The extracts from B. carinata, which contained 159 mmol/g plant DW equivalent (85% sinigrin, 5% gluconapin, and 3% glucotropaeolin), were the most effective against Phytophthora and Pythium isolates used in this study. However, the extract from S. alba, which contained 1 180 mmol/g (100% sinalbin), did not inhibit the mycelial growth of the isolates tested. The use of the glucosinolate-myrosinase system provides important additional information to advance in the implementation of field application of brassicaceous amendments for the control of soil-borne pathogens.


1998 ◽  
Vol 162 ◽  
pp. 32-34
Author(s):  
J. V. Narlikar ◽  
N.C. Rana

A summary of work related to astronomy education carried out during the last three years in India is presented here. Since India is a huge country and many educational efforts are made by individuals alone, this report cannot be regarded as complete, but a specific sampling.India has more than 200 Universities, 8000 colleges, and about 100,000 schools, 33 planetaria, more than 100 museums and about 60 well known amateur astronomers’ clubs. Scores of dedicated astronomy oriented school teachers, act as nuclei of astronomy education for the general public and school children .The astronomical almanac, used in a typical household is in some way related to the stars in the sky and the movements of the Sun, the Moon and the planets. Traditionally, a rudimentary knowledge of the celestial sphere is common. The recent developments in space technology have brought a fascination and glamour to modern astronomy for all age groups, and this is noticeably reflected in the number of media coverages of astronomy.


2019 ◽  
Vol 104 (6) ◽  
pp. e14.2-e14
Author(s):  
N Smeets ◽  
B van Groen ◽  
J Pertijs ◽  
M Wilmer ◽  
B Smeets ◽  
...  

BackgroundIn adults, the organic cation transporter 2 (protein name OCT2, gene name SLC22A2) is localised in the kidney proximal tubules where it mediates organic cation secretion. Hence, the transporter plays a role in the disposition and excretion of several drugs and drug-drug interactions. To better understand the disposition of OCT2 substrate drugs in children, we studied OCT2 localisation and expression in paediatric kidney tissue.MethodsThe expression of OCT2 was visualised in tissue using immunohistochemical staining. Tissues were derived post-mortem from children aged 0 -14 years. Gestational age varied between 24 and 40 weeks. Intensity of the staining at the basolateral membrane was scored by two individual observers using three categories; negative, detectible and high. Agreement between two observers was determined using Cohen’s kappa.Results44 kidney samples (n=17 neonates, n=17 infants, n=7 children, n=3 adolescent) were analysed and scored. There was substantial agreement between two judgements with a kappa of 0.773 (p< 0.005). No age related pattern was observed in the expression of OCT2. Even in the youngest age group, the expression of OCT2 was clearly visible.ConclusionThe kidney expression of OCT2 did not show an age-related pattern. In all age groups, expression levels were similar and OCT2 was properly localised at the basolateral membrane. These findings suggest that, with increasing age, OCT2 will not influence the renal excretion of its substrates.Disclosure(s)Nothing to disclose


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