{"title":"COVID-19 Waterfall","authors":"Shekoufeh Mohammadi, H. A. Varpaei, M. Mohammadi","doi":"10.5812/ans.118309","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5812/ans.118309","url":null,"abstract":"<jats:p />","PeriodicalId":43970,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Neuroscience","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2021-07-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48779869","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Objectives: To compare the pharmacological effects of steroids in comparison to steroids with antiviral drugs for the treatment of Bell’s Palsy. Methods: A total 60 patients were enrolled and segregated equally into two groups, where patients on prednisolone were labeled as group A (Control group), whereas patients on prednisolone + acyclovir were labeled as group B (study group). All patients had House Brackmann score. The control group started oral prednisolone 1 mg/kg for 10 days, whereas the study group started acyclovir 400 mg 4 times a day for 10 days along with prednisolone tablets. Patients were regularly observed till the study was completed. Primary outcome measure was facial nerve recovery. Health-related quality of life and facial appearance were considered secondary outcomes. Results: The primary outcomes assessed as complete recovery from Bell’s Palsy by Brackmann score at week 4 were found in 17/30 (57%) patients and 23/30 (77%) patients at week 8 in the control group. Complete recovery from Bell’s Palsy was also shown in the experimental group (Prednisolone + acyclovir) where 25/30 (83%) patients completed recovery at week 4, while 27/30 (90%) patients at week 8. Comparison of the two groups showed a significant improvement in the study group (prednisolone + acyclovir) (P = 0.047) at week 4 and (P = 0.02) at week 8. The secondary outcomes were assessed as improvement in the quality of life and facial appearance from Bell’s Palsy. Health utility score was 0.84 ± 0.01 in the control group (On prednisolone) with facial appearance score of (Derriford appearance scale 59) 61 ± 28. At week 4, the study group (on prednisolone+ acyclovir) showed 0.88 ± 0.12 score on Health utility index scale-3 and 46 ± 26 score on Derriford appearance scale. Comparison of the quality of life (Health quality index scale-3) and facial appearance among both control and study groups showed a significant improvement in the study group (P = 0.001 and P = 0.005, respectively). Moreover, when health utility score and Derriford appearance were compared among both groups, it showed a significant improvement in the study group (P = 0.001 and 0.016, respectively). Conclusions: The combination of prednisolone with acyclovir is found superior to prednisolone alone, and this combination treatment results in improvement in both recovery and quality of life.
{"title":"Steroids with and Without Antivirals in the Treatment of Bell’s Palsy: Does It Make any Difference in Recovery? A Study at a Tertiary Care Center, Karachi, Pakistan","authors":"A. Talib, Gohar Baloch, I. Naqvi, M. Ubaid","doi":"10.5812/ans.115645","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5812/ans.115645","url":null,"abstract":"Objectives: To compare the pharmacological effects of steroids in comparison to steroids with antiviral drugs for the treatment of Bell’s Palsy. Methods: A total 60 patients were enrolled and segregated equally into two groups, where patients on prednisolone were labeled as group A (Control group), whereas patients on prednisolone + acyclovir were labeled as group B (study group). All patients had House Brackmann score. The control group started oral prednisolone 1 mg/kg for 10 days, whereas the study group started acyclovir 400 mg 4 times a day for 10 days along with prednisolone tablets. Patients were regularly observed till the study was completed. Primary outcome measure was facial nerve recovery. Health-related quality of life and facial appearance were considered secondary outcomes. Results: The primary outcomes assessed as complete recovery from Bell’s Palsy by Brackmann score at week 4 were found in 17/30 (57%) patients and 23/30 (77%) patients at week 8 in the control group. Complete recovery from Bell’s Palsy was also shown in the experimental group (Prednisolone + acyclovir) where 25/30 (83%) patients completed recovery at week 4, while 27/30 (90%) patients at week 8. Comparison of the two groups showed a significant improvement in the study group (prednisolone + acyclovir) (P = 0.047) at week 4 and (P = 0.02) at week 8. The secondary outcomes were assessed as improvement in the quality of life and facial appearance from Bell’s Palsy. Health utility score was 0.84 ± 0.01 in the control group (On prednisolone) with facial appearance score of (Derriford appearance scale 59) 61 ± 28. At week 4, the study group (on prednisolone+ acyclovir) showed 0.88 ± 0.12 score on Health utility index scale-3 and 46 ± 26 score on Derriford appearance scale. Comparison of the quality of life (Health quality index scale-3) and facial appearance among both control and study groups showed a significant improvement in the study group (P = 0.001 and P = 0.005, respectively). Moreover, when health utility score and Derriford appearance were compared among both groups, it showed a significant improvement in the study group (P = 0.001 and 0.016, respectively). Conclusions: The combination of prednisolone with acyclovir is found superior to prednisolone alone, and this combination treatment results in improvement in both recovery and quality of life.","PeriodicalId":43970,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Neuroscience","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2021-07-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41828209","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
: Aging is the main factor for onset of disease. Nonetheless, chronological age does not necessarily correspond to biological age. The regulation of aging, circadian rhythms, and temperature involves the same brain structure: the hypothalamus. We previously showed that the analysis of the circadian rhythm of temperature may predict neurologic signs with 24 hours of antecedence. Our hypothesis is that the circadian rhythm of temperature changes gradually with aging and correlates with biological age. This study aims to assess whether the circadian rhythm of temperature correlates with the chronological age of healthy individuals aged between 18 and 72 years and changes more intensely in individuals with obesity, which is a disease associated with unhealthy aging. To achieve the study goals, 60 individuals will be enrolled and separated into four groups according to age (< or ≥ 45 years) and health status (healthy or obese). The participants will wear a wristband with vital sign sensors and an accelerometer for three days to detect movement during wake period and lack of movement during sleep period. The ratio between the mean skin temperature during the sleep and preceding wake period will be the main parameter to be analyzed in the study. The possible result is that this ratio is higher in healthy young individuals, as well as healthy age-matched individuals. This could imply the discovery of a simple and non-invasive method related to the biological age that could guide the prevention and treatment of aging-related diseases.
{"title":"Healthy Aging Guided by Circadian Rhythm Monitoring Using a Smartwatch-Like Device","authors":"A. B. Nogueira, M. J. Teixeira","doi":"10.5812/ans.108154","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5812/ans.108154","url":null,"abstract":": Aging is the main factor for onset of disease. Nonetheless, chronological age does not necessarily correspond to biological age. The regulation of aging, circadian rhythms, and temperature involves the same brain structure: the hypothalamus. We previously showed that the analysis of the circadian rhythm of temperature may predict neurologic signs with 24 hours of antecedence. Our hypothesis is that the circadian rhythm of temperature changes gradually with aging and correlates with biological age. This study aims to assess whether the circadian rhythm of temperature correlates with the chronological age of healthy individuals aged between 18 and 72 years and changes more intensely in individuals with obesity, which is a disease associated with unhealthy aging. To achieve the study goals, 60 individuals will be enrolled and separated into four groups according to age (< or ≥ 45 years) and health status (healthy or obese). The participants will wear a wristband with vital sign sensors and an accelerometer for three days to detect movement during wake period and lack of movement during sleep period. The ratio between the mean skin temperature during the sleep and preceding wake period will be the main parameter to be analyzed in the study. The possible result is that this ratio is higher in healthy young individuals, as well as healthy age-matched individuals. This could imply the discovery of a simple and non-invasive method related to the biological age that could guide the prevention and treatment of aging-related diseases.","PeriodicalId":43970,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Neuroscience","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2021-07-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44662434","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
M. Hatefi, Amirhosein Meisami, Alaleh Dalvand, M. Borji
Background: Spinal cord injuries (SCI) are a variety of chronic diseases that various causes such as trauma may contribute to its onset. One of the problems in these patients is the problem of physical activity and, consequently, daily activities. Objectives: This study aimed to assess daily living of patients with SCI. Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study in 2019, 120 patients with SCI in Kermanshah were included in the study using purposive sampling. The instruments used in this study fell into two parts. One part included the demographic characteristics of the SCI patients, and the other part was a questionnaire of the rate of the Impact on Participation and Autonomy questionnaire (IPA-P). Data were analyzed by SPSS software version 16 using descriptive tests such as mean and standard deviation. Results: The result showed there was a significant relationship between demographic characteristics such as education (P < 0.007), time of spinal cord injury (P < 0.01), and income (P = 0.000). Also, the results showed there was a relationship between Autonomy and Participation, and the age of patients and their autonomy and participation decreased with age (P = 0.000, R = 0.72). Most of the patients had severe problems with daily activities. Also, most patients had very poor scores in relation to daily living activities. Conclusions: Considering the low rate of participation and autonomy in patients with SCI, it is suggested to conduct studies aimed at improving their self-care and social participation.
{"title":"Assessment of Daily Living of Patients with Spinal Cord Injury: A Cross-Sectional Study in Kermanshah","authors":"M. Hatefi, Amirhosein Meisami, Alaleh Dalvand, M. Borji","doi":"10.5812/ans.117199","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5812/ans.117199","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Spinal cord injuries (SCI) are a variety of chronic diseases that various causes such as trauma may contribute to its onset. One of the problems in these patients is the problem of physical activity and, consequently, daily activities. Objectives: This study aimed to assess daily living of patients with SCI. Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study in 2019, 120 patients with SCI in Kermanshah were included in the study using purposive sampling. The instruments used in this study fell into two parts. One part included the demographic characteristics of the SCI patients, and the other part was a questionnaire of the rate of the Impact on Participation and Autonomy questionnaire (IPA-P). Data were analyzed by SPSS software version 16 using descriptive tests such as mean and standard deviation. Results: The result showed there was a significant relationship between demographic characteristics such as education (P < 0.007), time of spinal cord injury (P < 0.01), and income (P = 0.000). Also, the results showed there was a relationship between Autonomy and Participation, and the age of patients and their autonomy and participation decreased with age (P = 0.000, R = 0.72). Most of the patients had severe problems with daily activities. Also, most patients had very poor scores in relation to daily living activities. Conclusions: Considering the low rate of participation and autonomy in patients with SCI, it is suggested to conduct studies aimed at improving their self-care and social participation.","PeriodicalId":43970,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Neuroscience","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2021-07-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42463141","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
S. Mousavi, J. Jarareh, Alireza Mohammadiarya, Behnaz Karami, Robabeh Keshavarz Mohammadi
Background: Dementia affects mental health and psychological capital indicators, which disappear with gradual deterioration in mental and cognitive functions. Gradual loss of ability to function independently can cause negative emotional symptoms and even further reduce cognitive and functional impairment. Objectives: The current study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of cognitive rehabilitation on psychological capital in the elderly with dementia. Methods: The current quasi-experimental research was performed following a pre and -post test design with a control group. The effect of cognitive rehabilitation on psychological capital of patients aged 60 - 74 years who were admitted to the private Tehran clinics during 2020 was assessed. The convenience sampling method was used to select the participants. So that among eligible patients who had inclusion criteria, 11 were selected and then randomly divided into two groups. Lutans Psychological Capital Questionnaire was used to collect data. After the treatment, a post-test was carried out for all study groups. Data analysis was performed by analysis of covariance. Results: The results of the analysis of covariance indicated the effectiveness cognitive rehabilitation on psychological capital in the elderly with dementia (P < 0.05).
{"title":"Effects of Cognitive Rehabilitation on the Psychological Capital of the Elderly with Dementia","authors":"S. Mousavi, J. Jarareh, Alireza Mohammadiarya, Behnaz Karami, Robabeh Keshavarz Mohammadi","doi":"10.5812/ans.114507","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5812/ans.114507","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Dementia affects mental health and psychological capital indicators, which disappear with gradual deterioration in mental and cognitive functions. Gradual loss of ability to function independently can cause negative emotional symptoms and even further reduce cognitive and functional impairment. Objectives: The current study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of cognitive rehabilitation on psychological capital in the elderly with dementia. Methods: The current quasi-experimental research was performed following a pre and -post test design with a control group. The effect of cognitive rehabilitation on psychological capital of patients aged 60 - 74 years who were admitted to the private Tehran clinics during 2020 was assessed. The convenience sampling method was used to select the participants. So that among eligible patients who had inclusion criteria, 11 were selected and then randomly divided into two groups. Lutans Psychological Capital Questionnaire was used to collect data. After the treatment, a post-test was carried out for all study groups. Data analysis was performed by analysis of covariance. Results: The results of the analysis of covariance indicated the effectiveness cognitive rehabilitation on psychological capital in the elderly with dementia (P < 0.05).","PeriodicalId":43970,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Neuroscience","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2021-07-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45262047","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
M. Hassanipour, N. Rahimi, Nazanin Rajai, H. Amini-khoei, S. E. Mehr, M. Momeny, M. Heidari, A. Dehpour
Background: Atorvastatin exerts neuroprotective effects on the treatment of central nervous system disorders. Morphine analgesic tolerance and dependence remain as major concerns in medicine. Nitric oxide (NO) pathway mediates the development of opioid analgesic tolerance and dependence, as well as atorvastatin neuroprotection. Objectives: The present study aimed to assess the possible involvement of the NO/cGMP pathway in the process of the effects of atorvastatin on morphine physical dependence. Methods: Dependence was induced by repetitive injection of morphine sulfate. Naloxone was injected at the dose of 4 mg/kg on the last day of the experiment to assess withdrawal signs. Animals received atorvastatin (1, 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg, orally). Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitors and ODQ were injected before protective dose of atorvastatin. The gene expression of NOS isoforms was evaluated by real-time PCR. Thereafter, the hippocampal levels of cGMP and nitrite were measured. Results: Treatment with atorvastatin 10 mg/kg significantly attenuated naloxone-induced withdrawal behaviours. The administration of L-NAME, aminoguanidine, and ODQ before atorvastatin enhanced its effects. The treatment with atorvastatin significantly decreased the nitrite and cGMP levels as well as NOS gene expression in the hippocampus of dependent animals. Conclusions: It can be concluded that atorvastatin, possibly, through inducible NOS, could alleviate morphine dependence and withdrawal signs.
{"title":"The Expression and Function of Nitric Oxide Synthase Enzyme in Atorvastatin Effects on Morphine-Induced Dependence in Mice","authors":"M. Hassanipour, N. Rahimi, Nazanin Rajai, H. Amini-khoei, S. E. Mehr, M. Momeny, M. Heidari, A. Dehpour","doi":"10.5812/ans.117122","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5812/ans.117122","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Atorvastatin exerts neuroprotective effects on the treatment of central nervous system disorders. Morphine analgesic tolerance and dependence remain as major concerns in medicine. Nitric oxide (NO) pathway mediates the development of opioid analgesic tolerance and dependence, as well as atorvastatin neuroprotection. Objectives: The present study aimed to assess the possible involvement of the NO/cGMP pathway in the process of the effects of atorvastatin on morphine physical dependence. Methods: Dependence was induced by repetitive injection of morphine sulfate. Naloxone was injected at the dose of 4 mg/kg on the last day of the experiment to assess withdrawal signs. Animals received atorvastatin (1, 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg, orally). Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitors and ODQ were injected before protective dose of atorvastatin. The gene expression of NOS isoforms was evaluated by real-time PCR. Thereafter, the hippocampal levels of cGMP and nitrite were measured. Results: Treatment with atorvastatin 10 mg/kg significantly attenuated naloxone-induced withdrawal behaviours. The administration of L-NAME, aminoguanidine, and ODQ before atorvastatin enhanced its effects. The treatment with atorvastatin significantly decreased the nitrite and cGMP levels as well as NOS gene expression in the hippocampus of dependent animals. Conclusions: It can be concluded that atorvastatin, possibly, through inducible NOS, could alleviate morphine dependence and withdrawal signs.","PeriodicalId":43970,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Neuroscience","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2021-07-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48331661","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ali Yoonessi, S. A. Batouli, I. Ahmadnezhad, H. Soltanian-Zadeh
Background: Addiction is currently one of the problems of human society. Drug abuse is one of the most important issues in the field of addiction. Methamphetamine (crystal) is one of the drugs that has been abused in recent decades. Methods: In this case-control study, 10 individuals aged 20 to 40 years old with at least 2 years of experience of methamphetamine consumption without any history of drug use or other stimulants from clients and drug withdrawal centers in Tehran City, and 10 healthy volunteers were selected. Age, social status, and economic status of addicts were included in the fMRI apparatus, and 90 selected pleasurable, non-pleasurable, and neutral images (IAPS) were displayed by the projector through an event-related method. The playback time of each photo was 3 s, and after this process, the person outside the device, without the time limit selected the enjoyable and unpleasant images. Results: The results showed that there was no significant difference between the groups in terms of age, alcohol use, and smoking history (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in terms of the age at first use between members of the methamphetamine-dependent group. Also, the methamphetamine-dependent group showed more brain activity in their pre-center and post-center gyrus than the normal (control) group. Conclusions: According to the results obtained in this study, in general, it can be concluded that there are some areas in the brain of addicts that are activated when watching pleasant photos, while these areas are not active in the brains of normal people.
{"title":"The Effect of Crystal Dependence on Brain Activity Related to the Perception of Pleasure Using fMRI","authors":"Ali Yoonessi, S. A. Batouli, I. Ahmadnezhad, H. Soltanian-Zadeh","doi":"10.5812/ANS.100907","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5812/ANS.100907","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Addiction is currently one of the problems of human society. Drug abuse is one of the most important issues in the field of addiction. Methamphetamine (crystal) is one of the drugs that has been abused in recent decades. Methods: In this case-control study, 10 individuals aged 20 to 40 years old with at least 2 years of experience of methamphetamine consumption without any history of drug use or other stimulants from clients and drug withdrawal centers in Tehran City, and 10 healthy volunteers were selected. Age, social status, and economic status of addicts were included in the fMRI apparatus, and 90 selected pleasurable, non-pleasurable, and neutral images (IAPS) were displayed by the projector through an event-related method. The playback time of each photo was 3 s, and after this process, the person outside the device, without the time limit selected the enjoyable and unpleasant images. Results: The results showed that there was no significant difference between the groups in terms of age, alcohol use, and smoking history (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in terms of the age at first use between members of the methamphetamine-dependent group. Also, the methamphetamine-dependent group showed more brain activity in their pre-center and post-center gyrus than the normal (control) group. Conclusions: According to the results obtained in this study, in general, it can be concluded that there are some areas in the brain of addicts that are activated when watching pleasant photos, while these areas are not active in the brains of normal people.","PeriodicalId":43970,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Neuroscience","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2021-07-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47902773","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Background: Several studies have investigated the association of heavy metals such as lead and cadmium with neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease. Objectives: In this study, we investigated the relationship between the serum levels of lead and cadmium in Parkinson's disease. Methods: In this case-control study, the serum levels of lead and cadmium in 100 patients with Parkinson's disease referred to our university hospital, and 30 healthy individuals were investigated. Basic information such as age and gender and other demographic and clinical data were registered in the checklist. The levels of lead and cadmium were measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). Data was analyzed by SPSS software version 23, and a P < 0.05 was considered as significant. Results: The mean cadmium level in patient and control groups was 14.91 ± 8.72 and 4.71 ± 2.72 ppb, respectively (P < 0.001). The mean lead level was 158.35 ± 157.64 and 35.35 ± 16.25 ppb in patients and controls, respectively (P < 0.001). At ages above 65 years, there was a significant difference between the level of cadmium (P < 0.001) and lead (P < 0.001) in patients and healthy subjects. In addition, there was a significant difference in the level of cadmium (P = 0.003) between patients and healthy subjects at ages below 65 years. This was true for both males (P < 0.05) and females (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the level of lead and cadmium in various severity rates of the disease, as well as in different symptoms of the patients. Conclusions: Based on the findings, the levels of serum lead and cadmium were higher in the patients, indicating a probable relationship between the Parkinson's disease and the levels of these metals.
{"title":"Comparison of Serum Lead and Cadmium Levels in Parkinson's Patients and Healthy Controls","authors":"H. Parsian, Pouya Alipour, H. Gholinia, P. Saadat","doi":"10.5812/ANS.103376","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5812/ANS.103376","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Several studies have investigated the association of heavy metals such as lead and cadmium with neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease. Objectives: In this study, we investigated the relationship between the serum levels of lead and cadmium in Parkinson's disease. Methods: In this case-control study, the serum levels of lead and cadmium in 100 patients with Parkinson's disease referred to our university hospital, and 30 healthy individuals were investigated. Basic information such as age and gender and other demographic and clinical data were registered in the checklist. The levels of lead and cadmium were measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). Data was analyzed by SPSS software version 23, and a P < 0.05 was considered as significant. Results: The mean cadmium level in patient and control groups was 14.91 ± 8.72 and 4.71 ± 2.72 ppb, respectively (P < 0.001). The mean lead level was 158.35 ± 157.64 and 35.35 ± 16.25 ppb in patients and controls, respectively (P < 0.001). At ages above 65 years, there was a significant difference between the level of cadmium (P < 0.001) and lead (P < 0.001) in patients and healthy subjects. In addition, there was a significant difference in the level of cadmium (P = 0.003) between patients and healthy subjects at ages below 65 years. This was true for both males (P < 0.05) and females (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the level of lead and cadmium in various severity rates of the disease, as well as in different symptoms of the patients. Conclusions: Based on the findings, the levels of serum lead and cadmium were higher in the patients, indicating a probable relationship between the Parkinson's disease and the levels of these metals.","PeriodicalId":43970,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Neuroscience","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2021-07-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42952025","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
M. Zarei, Furqan Mohammed Yaseen Khan, Mahdi Heshmatifar, S. Besharaty, Mohammed Farah Mohamoud
Background: Approach to lower-thoracic spine for discectomy remains controversial. In this study, we compare primary and secondary outcomes of transpedicular (TP) and transthoracic (TT) approach for discectomy at lower thoracic levels in patients with neurological manifestations. Methods: In this retrospective study, 12 patients with TP or TT approach for lower thoracic discectomy with neurological manifestation, mainly foot drop, were included. During TP approach, cord manipulation was kept at minimum. Posterior fusion was performed in all patients. TT approach was performed by intended level thoracotomy, anterio-lateral fusion was achieved in this group. The postoperative primary and secondary outcomes of the approach were compared in these patients. SPSS software version 20 was used for analysis, and a P-value < 0.005 was considered significant. Results: Twelve patients with neurological manifestation were operated using either of the approaches. Six patients in TP group and four in TT group attained complete neurological recovery after 10.2 and 7.6 weeks, respectively. The mean operative time was 50% more in TT approach. Blood loss in TP approach was less than half, and patients were mobilized earlier with decreased hospital stay. All patients with TT approach needed postoperative intensive care unit (ICU) admission, two of them developed pulmonary complications and postsurgical intercostal neuralgia, and one had cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak and readmission within 30 days of discharge. Conclusions: Although TT approach offers excellent exposure for discs in lower thoracic levels, it is associated with increased morbidity and higher complication rates. On the other hand, TP approach offers ample exposure with reduced operative time and blood loss, as well as early mobilization and discharge.
{"title":"Transpedicular or Transthoracic Approach: An Outcome Comparison Study on Patients with Neurological Manifestation","authors":"M. Zarei, Furqan Mohammed Yaseen Khan, Mahdi Heshmatifar, S. Besharaty, Mohammed Farah Mohamoud","doi":"10.5812/ANS.105947","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5812/ANS.105947","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Approach to lower-thoracic spine for discectomy remains controversial. In this study, we compare primary and secondary outcomes of transpedicular (TP) and transthoracic (TT) approach for discectomy at lower thoracic levels in patients with neurological manifestations. Methods: In this retrospective study, 12 patients with TP or TT approach for lower thoracic discectomy with neurological manifestation, mainly foot drop, were included. During TP approach, cord manipulation was kept at minimum. Posterior fusion was performed in all patients. TT approach was performed by intended level thoracotomy, anterio-lateral fusion was achieved in this group. The postoperative primary and secondary outcomes of the approach were compared in these patients. SPSS software version 20 was used for analysis, and a P-value < 0.005 was considered significant. Results: Twelve patients with neurological manifestation were operated using either of the approaches. Six patients in TP group and four in TT group attained complete neurological recovery after 10.2 and 7.6 weeks, respectively. The mean operative time was 50% more in TT approach. Blood loss in TP approach was less than half, and patients were mobilized earlier with decreased hospital stay. All patients with TT approach needed postoperative intensive care unit (ICU) admission, two of them developed pulmonary complications and postsurgical intercostal neuralgia, and one had cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak and readmission within 30 days of discharge. Conclusions: Although TT approach offers excellent exposure for discs in lower thoracic levels, it is associated with increased morbidity and higher complication rates. On the other hand, TP approach offers ample exposure with reduced operative time and blood loss, as well as early mobilization and discharge.","PeriodicalId":43970,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Neuroscience","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2021-07-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49292127","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
A. Esmaeilzadeh, Maryam Zarerafie, Azita Mohammadzadeh
Context: Current investigations illustrate the increasing prevalence of atherosclerosis (AS) through the aggravating role of inappropriate lifestyle patterns. Atherosclerosis is the cause of important vascular-related diseases such as ischemic stroke (IS). Understanding AS pathophysiology can help reduce the incidence of AS-mediated diseases like ischemic stroke. Evidence Acquisition: For this narrative review article, we used the five mega databases of PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, Springer, and Science Direct. We searched from 2010 Jan to 2020 Dec and based on keywords and inclusion criteria, 77 articles were enrolled. Results: Based on prior articles on atherosclerosis and ischemic stroke pathophysiology, local and systemic inflammation is a vigorous factor in both diseasesIndeed, the fundamental inflammatory pathway involved atherosclerosis, and ischemic stroke is associated with the toll-like receptor 4/myeloid differentiation primary response 88/nuclear factor-kappa B (TLR4/ Myd88/ NF-κB) cascade. The functional paw of these intricate mechanisms are pro-inflammatory mediators, such as interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), and interleukin-18 (IL-18) incite inflammation. Besides, the essential structures termed inflammasomes (multi proteins components), and multiplicity of immune and non-immune cells (i.e., neutrophils, monocytes, platelets, and macrophages) are beneficial in the induction of inflammatory microenvironment. Conclusions: Neutrophils could be the most effective cells in the inflammation-based mechanism in IS and AS. It is clarified that neutrophils with the recruitment of own vesicles and granules can afford to amplify inflammatory conditions and be a key cell in AS and IS cross-talk. Therefore, utilizing methods to control neutrophils-mediated mechanisms could be an effective method for the prevention of AS and IS.
{"title":"Cross-Talk of Atherosclerosis and Ischemic Stroke: Dramatic Role of Neutrophils","authors":"A. Esmaeilzadeh, Maryam Zarerafie, Azita Mohammadzadeh","doi":"10.5812/ANS.104433","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5812/ANS.104433","url":null,"abstract":"Context: Current investigations illustrate the increasing prevalence of atherosclerosis (AS) through the aggravating role of inappropriate lifestyle patterns. Atherosclerosis is the cause of important vascular-related diseases such as ischemic stroke (IS). Understanding AS pathophysiology can help reduce the incidence of AS-mediated diseases like ischemic stroke. Evidence Acquisition: For this narrative review article, we used the five mega databases of PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, Springer, and Science Direct. We searched from 2010 Jan to 2020 Dec and based on keywords and inclusion criteria, 77 articles were enrolled. Results: Based on prior articles on atherosclerosis and ischemic stroke pathophysiology, local and systemic inflammation is a vigorous factor in both diseasesIndeed, the fundamental inflammatory pathway involved atherosclerosis, and ischemic stroke is associated with the toll-like receptor 4/myeloid differentiation primary response 88/nuclear factor-kappa B (TLR4/ Myd88/ NF-κB) cascade. The functional paw of these intricate mechanisms are pro-inflammatory mediators, such as interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), and interleukin-18 (IL-18) incite inflammation. Besides, the essential structures termed inflammasomes (multi proteins components), and multiplicity of immune and non-immune cells (i.e., neutrophils, monocytes, platelets, and macrophages) are beneficial in the induction of inflammatory microenvironment. Conclusions: Neutrophils could be the most effective cells in the inflammation-based mechanism in IS and AS. It is clarified that neutrophils with the recruitment of own vesicles and granules can afford to amplify inflammatory conditions and be a key cell in AS and IS cross-talk. Therefore, utilizing methods to control neutrophils-mediated mechanisms could be an effective method for the prevention of AS and IS.","PeriodicalId":43970,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Neuroscience","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2021-07-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42002739","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}