Neurology International

738 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Highly Expressed Genes within Hippocampal Sector CA1: Implications for the Physiology of Memory

by Michael A. Meyer

Neurol. Int. 2014, 6(2), 5388; https://doi.org/10.4081/ni.2014.5388 - 16 Jun 2014

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 434

As the CA1 sector has been implicated to play a key role in memory formation, a dedicated search for highly expressed genes within this region was made from an on-line atlas of gene expression within the mouse brain (GENSAT). From a data base [...] Read more.

As the CA1 sector has been implicated to play a key role in memory formation, a dedicated search for highly expressed genes within this region was made from an on-line atlas of gene expression within the mouse brain (GENSAT). From a data base of 1013 genes, 16 were identified that had selective localization of gene expression within the CA1 region, and included Angpt2, ARHGEF6, CCK, Cntnap1, DRD3, EMP1, Epha2, Itm2b, Lrrtm2, Mdk, PNMT, Ppm1e, Ppp2r2d, RASGRP1, Slitrk5, and Sstr4. Of the 16 identified, the most selective and intense localization for both adult and post-natal day 7 was noted for ARHGEF6, which is known to be linked to non-syndromic mental retardation, and has also been localized to dendritic spines. Further research on the role played by ARHGEF6 in memory formation is strongly advocated. Full article

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Open AccessArticle

Identification of 17 Highly Expressed Genes within Mouse Lumbar Spinal Cord Anterior Horn Region from an In-Situ Hybridization Atlas of 3430 Genes: Implications for Motor Neuron Disease

by Michael A. Meyer

Neurol. Int. 2014, 6(2), 5367; https://doi.org/10.4081/ni.2014.5367 - 16 Jun 2014

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 430

Abstract

In an effort to find possible new gene candidates involved in the causation of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a prior version of the on-line brain gene expression atlas GENSAT was extensively searched for selectively intense expression within spinal motor neurons. Using autoradiographic data [...] Read more.

In an effort to find possible new gene candidates involved in the causation of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a prior version of the on-line brain gene expression atlas GENSAT was extensively searched for selectively intense expression within spinal motor neurons. Using autoradiographic data of in-situ hybridization from 3430 genes, a search for selectively intense activity was made for the anterior horn region of murine lumbar spinal cord sectioned in the axial plane. Of 3430 genes, a group of 17 genes was found to be highly expressed within the anterior horn suggesting localization to its primary cellular constituent, the alpha spinal motor neuron. For some genes, an inter-relationship to ALS was already known, such as for heavy, medium, and light neurofilaments, and peripherin. Other genes identified include: Gamma Synuclein, GDNF, SEMA3A, Extended Synaptotagmin-like protein 1, LYNX1, HSPA12a, Cadherin 22, PRKACA, TPPP3 as well as Choline Acetyltransferase, Janus Kinase 1, and the Motor Neuron and Pancreas Homeobox 1. Based on this study, Fibroblast Growth Factor 1 was found to have a particularly selective and intense localization pattern to the ventral horn and may be a good target for development of motor neuron disease therapies; further research is needed. Full article

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Open AccessCase Report

Myoclonic Jerks Secondary to Piperacillin and Nafcillin

by Michael A. Meyer

Neurol. Int. 2014, 6(2), 5349; https://doi.org/10.4081/ni.2014.5349 - 16 Jun 2014

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 356

Abstract

A 66-year-old male receiving intravenous piperacillin and nafcillin for a post-surgical wound infection developed intermittent myoclonic jerks of all four extremities that disappeared after discontinuation of these two medications. In addition there was a mild yet definite intermittent encephalopathic effect; head computed tomography [...] Read more.

A 66-year-old male receiving intravenous piperacillin and nafcillin for a post-surgical wound infection developed intermittent myoclonic jerks of all four extremities that disappeared after discontinuation of these two medications. In addition there was a mild yet definite intermittent encephalopathic effect; head computed tomography examination as negative and there was no prior history for seizure or myoclonus. These two beta lactam ring antibiotics are structurally similar to penicillin, which is well known to induce not only myoclonus but also seizure activity by reducing the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) induced inhibitory currents by inducing an open chloride channel block of the GABA type A receptors within the brain. Clinicians need to be fully aware of the potential epileptogenic effects of piperacillin, nafcillin, and related antibiotics. Full article

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Open AccessArticle

Highly Expressed Genes in Human High Grade Gliomas: Immunohistochemical Analysis of Data from the Human Protein Atlas

by Michael A. Meyer

Neurol. Int. 2014, 6(2), 5348; https://doi.org/10.4081/ni.2014.5348 - 16 Jun 2014

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 453

Abstract

Gene expression within human glioblastomas were analyzed from data on 20,083 genes entered into the on-line Human Protein Atlas. In selecting genes that are strongly expressed within normal human brain tissue, 58 genes were identified from a search of the 20,083 entries that [...] Read more.

Gene expression within human glioblastomas were analyzed from data on 20,083 genes entered into the on-line Human Protein Atlas. In selecting genes that are strongly expressed within normal human brain tissue, 58 genes were identified from a search of the 20,083 entries that were rated as showing 90% or greater intensity of expression within normal brain tissues. Of these 58, a subset of 48 genes was identified that not only had expression data for human glioblastomas but also for the human glioblastoma cell line U-251. Four of these 48 selected genes were found to be strongly expressed within the cytoplasm when assessed by both histologic sampling of high grade glioma patient cases as well as U-251 glioblastoma cell line immunofluoresence analysis. These four human genes are: AGBL2 (ATP/GTP binding protein-like 2), BLOC1S6 (biogenesis of lysosomal organelles complex-1, subunit 6), MAP1A (microtubule-associated protein 1A) and ZSWIM5 (zinc finger, SWIM-type containing 5, also known as KIAA1511). Further research is advocated to investigate the role of ZSWIM5 and AGBL2 in glioma cell biology. Full article

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Open AccessCase Report

Focal Electroencephalography Rhythm Asymmetry due to Focal Skull Fibrous Dysplasia

by Michael A. Meyer

Neurol. Int. 2014, 6(2), 5347; https://doi.org/10.4081/ni.2014.5347 - 16 Jun 2014

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 267

Abstract

An unusual pervasive and persistent asymmetry in background rhythm was found on surface electroencephalography (EEG) recordings in a 22 year old with new onset of generalized seizure activity. Radiographic correlation with computed tomography, positron emission tomography and bone scan imaging uncovered that the [...] Read more.

An unusual pervasive and persistent asymmetry in background rhythm was found on surface electroencephalography (EEG) recordings in a 22 year old with new onset of generalized seizure activity. Radiographic correlation with computed tomography, positron emission tomography and bone scan imaging uncovered that the higher amplitude left frontal-parietal background activity was related to a circumscribed area of left frontal-parietal fibrous dysplasia affecting the skull. This case report emphasizes that the presumed higher electrical conductance of fibrous dysplasia lead to a greater transparency of normal background rhythms, and must be taken into account as a form of breach rhythm for accurate EEG interpretation. Full article

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Open AccessCase Report

Moyamoya in Hispanics: Not Only in Japanese

by Sarmad Said, Chad J. Cooper, Haider Alkhateeb, Juan M. Galvis, German T. Hernandez and Hasan J. Salameh

Neurol. Int. 2014, 6(2), 5369; https://doi.org/10.4081/ni.2014.5369 - 4 Jun 2014

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 270

Abstract

Moyamoya disease was first described in 1957 as hypoplasia of the bilateral internal carotid arteries, the characteristic appearance of the associated network of abnormally dilated collateral vessels on angiography was later likened to something hazy, like a puff of cigarette smoke, which, [...] Read more.

Moyamoya disease was first described in 1957 as hypoplasia of the bilateral internal carotid arteries, the characteristic appearance of the associated network of abnormally dilated collateral vessels on angiography was later likened to something hazy, like a puff of cigarette smoke, which, in Japanese, is moyamoya. This paper describes two cases of moyamoya presentations, including moyamoya disease and moyamoya syndrome. Moyamoya may rarely occur in North American Hispanic patients. The presentation can vary significantly and ranges bwtween fulminant outcome and prolonged survival. Awareness about moyamoya and its different presentations may be beneficial for the patients and can improve the outcome. Full article

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Open AccessArticle

Oromandibular Dystonia in Yemeni Patients With Khat Chewing: A Response to Botulinum Toxin Treatment

by Hatem S. Shehata, Mohamed S. El-Tamawy, Nevin Mohieldin, Mohammed Edrees and Saeed Bohlega

Neurol. Int. 2014, 6(2), 5385; https://doi.org/10.4081/ni.2014.5385 - 3 Jun 2014

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 405

Abstract

Khat-(Catha edulis) related oromandibular dystonia is a difficult-to-treat subset of movement disorders that involve masticatory muscles with diverse and incapacitating manifestations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Botulinum toxin-type A therapy in khat chewer Yemeni patients [...] Read more.

Khat-(Catha edulis) related oromandibular dystonia is a difficult-to-treat subset of movement disorders that involve masticatory muscles with diverse and incapacitating manifestations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Botulinum toxin-type A therapy in khat chewer Yemeni patients with oromandibular dystonia. This prospective study included 18 khat-chewers Yemeni patients with refractory oromandibular dystonia, who were subjected to Botulinum toxin-A injection and followed up for 3 months thereafter. Primary efficacy outcome was the global impression scale, and secondary outcome measure was the Unified Dystonia Rating Scale. Patients showed improvement of both efficacy measures, maximum satisfactory responses were detected at the forth week after injection. No major adverse events were detected. Botulinum toxin-A is considered an effective and safe treatment option for refractory oromandibular dystonia in khat-chewers. Full article

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Open AccessCase Report

Severe Orthostatic Hypotension due to Unilateral Carotid Artery Dissection

by Nobuyuki Ishii, Hitoshi Mochizuki, Akitoshi Taniguchi, Kazutaka Shiomi and Masamitsu Nakazato

Neurol. Int. 2014, 6(2), 5352; https://doi.org/10.4081/ni.2014.5352 - 3 Jun 2014

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 300

Abstract

A 46-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital with mild right-sided hemiparesis and orthostatic hypotension. Magnetic resonance angiography of the neck showed stenosis of the left distal carotid sinus surrounded by intraluminal hyperintensities on both T1-weighted and T2-weighted images, representing a periluminal hematoma [...] Read more.

A 46-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital with mild right-sided hemiparesis and orthostatic hypotension. Magnetic resonance angiography of the neck showed stenosis of the left distal carotid sinus surrounded by intraluminal hyperintensities on both T1-weighted and T2-weighted images, representing a periluminal hematoma secondary to carotid artery dissection. The dissection hyperextended the carotid artery wall and stimulated baroreceptors in the carotid sinus. The stimulated baroreceptors induced carotid sinus hypersensitivity, which may have been related to her orthostatic hypotension. Post-stroke orthostatic hypotension should prompt consideration of carotid artery dissection. Full article

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Open AccessCase Report

West Nile Virus Encephalitis Induced Opsoclonus-Myoclonus Syndrome

by Chad J. Cooper and Sarmad Said

Neurol. Int. 2014, 6(2), 5359; https://doi.org/10.4081/ni.2014.5359 - 22 Apr 2014

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 351

Abstract

West Nile virus (WNV) is an arthropod borne neurotropic single stranded RNA flavivirus with <1% developing presenting with neurological disease. Immunocompromised and elderly patients are more prone to developing WNV meningitis or encephalitis. Definitive diagnosis of WNV meningoencephalitis is a combination of clinical [...] Read more.

West Nile virus (WNV) is an arthropod borne neurotropic single stranded RNA flavivirus with <1% developing presenting with neurological disease. Immunocompromised and elderly patients are more prone to developing WNV meningitis or encephalitis. Definitive diagnosis of WNV meningoencephalitis is a combination of clinical suspicion and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) serology. Forty-eight year old Caucasian female presented with a sudden onset of altered mental status after being found unresponsive. She was confused with intermittent bouts of alertness/lethargy and unintelligible responses to questioning. Her medical problems included endometrial cancer that was in remission after undergoing a total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingectomy and postoperative chemotherapy with paclitaxel and carboplatin. Pertinent physical examination revealed muscle strength that was significantly decreased, nuchal rigidity and +2 pitting edema of both lower extremities. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of the brain were negative for any intracranial pathology. CSF analysis was consistent with aseptic meningitis with all CSF serology being negative except for positive WNV antibody. A few days after being admitted she developed involuntary random movements of her eyes and generalized jerking movements (myoclonus). This was determined to be opsoclonus myoclonus syndrome (OMS) induced by the WNV meningoencephalitis. She then received five consecutive days of plasmapheresis with a significant improvement in her neurological status. Opsoclonusmyoclonus syndrome (OMS) is a rare neurological disorder associated with chaotic multidirectional eye movements, myoclonus and less frequently cerebellar ataxia. OMS affects as few as 1 in 10,000,000 people per year. The pathogenesis is not fully understood with the majority of cases of opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome being idiopathic. According to current medical literature there have only been two previous case reports of opsoclonus myoclonus syndrome associated with WNV encephalitis. Full article

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Neurol. Int., Volume 6, Issue 2 (April 2014) – 9 articles

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