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Human embryonic stem cells provide a useful source of material for studying basic human development and various disease states. However, ethical issues concerning their procurement limit their acceptance and possible clinical applicability. Recent advances in stem cell technology have provided an alternative source of pluripotent stem cells that does not require the use of an embryo. This review addresses the generation of induced pluripotent stem cells from skin fibroblasts taken from various patient populations, with a specific focus on the pediatric disorder spinal muscular atrophy. These patient-derived cells may help researchers devise more appropriate therapies through a greater understanding of the molecular mechanisms that underlie neuron dysfunction and death in a variety of diseases. Furthermore, they provide an ideal platform for small-molecule screening and subsequent drug development.
Archives of Neurology (Neurologia) - Mer, 16 Giugno 2010
http://archneur.ama-assn.org/
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When a dement patient reaches the highest cognitive impairment, which is the natural course of his/her disease? In order to answer this question, some American researchers have performed an observational trial on 323 patients (averagely 85) accommodated in 22 shelters in the Boston area. All the patients presented advanced dementia with a severe cognitive impairment (incapability to recognize relatives, minimal oral communication, complete dependence for all physical functions) and they were all assisted by relatives (children in general).
MedNews (Neurologia) - Mar, 8 Giugno 2010
http://mn.medsurfnews.com/
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The amount of cholesterol circulating in the bloodstream is partly regulated by the brain, a study in mice suggests.
BBC News (Neurologia) - Mar, 8 Giugno 2010
http://news.bbc.co.uk
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While it's likely to be very infrequent, a mistaken diagnosis of brain death could have fatal consequences -- or near-fatal, as in the 2008 case of Zach Dunlap, a 21-year-old Oklahoman who despite such a diagnosis showed signs of life just hours before his organs were to be harvested.
Medscape (Neurologia) - Mar, 8 Giugno 2010
http://www.medscape.com
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In this randomized trial of deep-brain stimulation targeted to either the globus pallidus interna or the subthalamic nucleus in patients with advanced Parkinson's disease, the patients assigned to pallidal stimulation and those assigned to subthalamic stimulation had a similar improvement in motor function.
New England Journal of Medicine (Neurologia) - Mar, 8 Giugno 2010
http://www.nejm.org
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The onset of a syncope in a driver, beside risking his/her own life, is a danger also for possible people present at the event, so the evaluation of relapse risk becomes particularly important. In order to examine this problem, some researchers at Mayo Clinic have identified 3877 subjects presenting a syncope episode during the last 3 years: 10% of them had referred a loss of consciousness while driving (stratified as “drivers”), while 90% have been considered as controls. Follow-up averagely lasted 3.8 years.
MedNews (Neurologia) - Lun, 24 Maggio 2010
http://mn.medsurfnews.com/
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Despite a growing body of evidence that integrated care is important in treating individuals with addiction and comorbid psychiatric disorders, such care remains in short supply. But efforts by scientists and policy makers aim to improve access to such treatment.
Journal of the American Medical Association (Neurologia) - Lun, 24 Maggio 2010
http://jama.ama-assn.org/
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All headaches are not brought on by tension. They can be caused by sinus trouble.
Baylor College of Medicine (Neurologia) - Mar, 18 Maggio 2010
http://www.bcm.edu
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Even though sickle cell disease (SCD) is caused by a single-nucleotide mutation (GATGTT in the sixth codon of axon 1 of the β globin gene), its clinical presentation involves a multitude of complications involving all organs. The manifestations of SCD are recurrent—a painful crisis that is resolved will soon be replaced by a new episode of pain; a leg ulcer that heals may soon return.
Journal of the American Medical Association (Neurologia) - Mar, 18 Maggio 2010
http://jama.ama-assn.org/
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Many patients with sudden severe brain injury from stroke, trauma, or cardiac arrest die after family members and clinicians decide, given a poor prognosis, to withdraw treatment.
New England Journal of Medicine (Neurologia) - Mar, 18 Maggio 2010
http://www.nejm.org