Search results for "Neural"
showing 10 items of 2783 documents
A CAD system for nodule detection in low-dose lung CTs based on region growing and a new active contour model
2007
A computer-aided detection (CAD) system for the selection of lung nodules in computer tomography (CT) images is presented. The system is based on region growing (RG) algorithms and a new active contour model (ACM), implementing a local convex hull, able to draw the correct contour of the lung parenchyma and to include the pleural nodules. The CAD consists of three steps: (1) the lung parenchymal volume is segmented by means of a RG algorithm; the pleural nodules are included through the new ACM technique; (2) a RG algorithm is iteratively applied to the previously segmented volume in order to detect the candidate nodules; (3) a double-threshold cut and a neural network are applied to reduce…
Primary myelomeningocele closure and consequences
2002
Myelomeningocele, the most frequently occurring open neural tube defect, requires lifelong care of the patient by medical professionals and by relatives. A basic understanding of the neurosurgical measures that have to be taken in the newborn, the infant, the child and the adult is important also for physicians of other disciplines involved in the treatment of patients with myelomeningocele.The most recent topic broadly discussed in this context is the role of foetal neurosurgery for closure of the neural tube defect. There is ongoing debate as to whether the beneficial postnatal effects of a prenatal operation in the unborn foetus outweighs the possible complications for the mother as well…
An O2-sensitive glomus cell-stem cell synapse induces carotid body growth in chronic hypoxia.
2013
Summary Neural stem cells (NSCs) exist in germinal centers of the adult brain and in the carotid body (CB), an oxygen-sensing organ that grows under chronic hypoxemia. How stem cell lineage differentiation into mature glomus cells is coupled with changes in physiological demand is poorly understood. Here, we show that hypoxia does not affect CB NSC proliferation directly. Rather, mature glomus cells expressing endothelin-1, the O 2 -sensing elements in the CB that secrete neurotransmitters in response to hypoxia, establish abundant synaptic-like contacts with stem cells, which express endothelin receptors, and instruct their growth. Inhibition of glomus cell transmitter release or their sel…
A multicenter survey on access to care in Multiple Sclerosis-related trigeminal neuralgia
2021
The prevalence of trigeminal neuralgia (TN) in patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is higher than in the general population and its management can be particularly challenging due to a number of reasons including high recurrence rates, lack of MS-specific treatment guidelines and uncertainties about pain pathophysiology. Aim of this cross-sectional, multicentre survey was to gather information on the current treatment modalities and options of MS-related TN across 23 Italian MS centres. Initial medical management (carbamazepine or oxcarbazepine) of MS-related TN was fairly homogeneous throughout Italian centres. The most commonly available surgical procedure was microvascular decompression…
The laparoscopic implantation of neuroprothesis (LION) procedure to control intractable abdomino-pelvic neuralgia
2011
Objective. To present different aspects and advantages of the laparoscopic implantation of a peripheral nerve stimulator adjacent to the pelvic nerves, aimed at treating intractable pelvic neuralgia by means of neuromodulation - the laparoscopic implantation of neuroprothesis (LION) procedure. Materials and Methods. We report here a series of three patients with different types and etiologies of chronic pelvic neuralgia who underwent laparoscopy for implantation of a peripheral nerve stimulator for neuromodulation, the first for neuromodulation of the ilioinguinal and pudendal nerves, the second for neuromodulation of the sciatic nerve, and the third for neuromodulation of the sacral nerve …
Molecular anatomy of the neuro-immune connection.
1991
Light microscopic immunohistochemistry was employed to elucidate and compare the presence, distribution, and coexistence of various peptides, neuroendocrine markers and enzymes of the catecholamine pathway in nerves supplying lymphoid tissues in a variety of mammalian species. All lymphoid organs and tissues receive innervation by fibers containing dopamine-beta-hydroxylase and/or tyrosine hydroxylase, neural markers like protein gene product 9.5, synaptophysin and neurofilament and a varied spectrum of peptides. The prominent peptides were tachykinins (substance P, neurokinin A), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), neuropeptide Y (NPY), and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide/peptide his…
Study and modulation of human cortical excitability with transcranial magnetic stimulation.
1998
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can be applied in different paradigms to obtain a measure of various aspects of cortical excitability. These different TMS paradigms provide information about different neurotransmitter systems, enhance our understanding about the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric conditions, and in the future may be helpful as a guide for pharmacological interventions. In addition, repetitive TMS (rTMS) modulates cortical excitability beyond the duration of the rTMS trains themselves. Depending on rTMS parameters, a lasting inhibition or facilitation of cortical excitability can be induced. These effects can be demonstrated neurophysiologically or by combining rTMS…
EHMTI-0220. Cortical excitability in episodic cluster headache.
2014
Methods Twenty-five patients with episodic CH and thirteen healthy subjects underwent an experimental session where we evaluated, in both hemispheres, motor-cortical response to: 1) single-pulse TMS: i.e. motor threshold (MT); input-output (IO) curves and cortical silent period (CSP) and 2) paired-pulse TMS: i.e. intracortical facilitation (ICF) and short intracortical inhibition (SICI). Thirteen patients were evaluated outside bout, while the remaining twelve patients were inside bout at the time of recording.
Spontaneous Nocturnal Erections - Physiology and Clinical Applications. Spontane nachtliche Erektionen - Physiologie und klinische Anwendungen
2005
Spontaneous nocturnal erections in men are a well-known phenomenon whose physiology however is not yet really understood. The measurement of nocturnal erections has gained clinical relevance for the diagnosis of erectile dysfunction because it allows an objective and quantitative assessment of the erectile capacity. A decisive advantage compared to other diagnostic tests carried out during wakefulness is the exclusion of psychological factors to a great extent. Thus, an evaluation of the organic component of an erectile dysfunction is possible. Regarding the interpretation of nocturnal erection records, various factors possibly influencing the results must be considered; this is particularl…
Antiepileptic drugs for the treatment of neuropathic pain : a systematic review
2012
Many therapies have been proposed for the management of neuropathic pain, and they include the use of different antiepileptic drugs. However, the lack of high quality studies indicates that results on the different neuropathic disorders under study do not recommend a particular drug treatment. This study makes a systematic review of the published literature on the use of several antiepileptic drugs to treat neuropathic pain, and has the objective of considering both its clinical characteristics and pharmacological use, which will depend on their level of scientific evidence and will follow the principles of evidence-based dentistry. The articles were stratified according to their scientific…