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Neurophotonics Jan 2017Palmar and plantar grasp are the foremost primitive neonatal reflexes and functions. Persistence of these reflexes in infancy is a sign of evolving cerebral palsy. Our...
Palmar and plantar grasp are the foremost primitive neonatal reflexes and functions. Persistence of these reflexes in infancy is a sign of evolving cerebral palsy. Our aims were to establish measurement feasibility in a clinical setting and to characterize changes in oxyhemoglobin (HbO) and deoxyhemoglobin (HbD) concentration in the bilateral frontoparietal cortex in unsedated neonates at the crib-side using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). We hypothesized that bilateral concentration changes will occur upon somatic central and peripheral somatic stimulation. Thirteen preterm neonates (five males) underwent time 1, and six (two males) returned for time 2 (mean [Formula: see text] and 47.0 weeks, respectively). Signals from a total of 162 somatic stimuli responses were measured. Response amplitude, duration, and latency were log-transformed and compared between palmar, plantar, and oromotor stimuli using linear mixed models, adjusted for cap, electroencephalogram abnormality, time (1 versus 2), and Sarnat score, if necessary. The oromotor stimulus resulted in a 50% greater response than the palmar or plantar stimuli for HbO left and right hemisphere duration ([Formula: see text]). There were no other statistically significant differences between stimuli for any other outcome ([Formula: see text]). Utilizing fNIRS in conjunction with occupational and physical therapy maneuvers is efficacious to study modifiable and restorative neurophysiological mechanisms.
PubMed: 27570791
DOI: 10.1117/1.NPh.4.1.011004 -
Heart Rhythm Aug 2020Bilateral cardiac sympathetic denervation (BCSD) is an effective therapy for ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) in cardiomyopathies (CMPs). After BCSD, residual autonomic...
BACKGROUND
Bilateral cardiac sympathetic denervation (BCSD) is an effective therapy for ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) in cardiomyopathies (CMPs). After BCSD, residual autonomic nervous system (ANS) function is unknown.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to assess ANS responses in patients with CMP before and after BCSD as compared with demographically matched healthy controls.
METHODS
Patients with CMP undergoing BCSD and matched healthy controls were recruited. Noninvasive measures-finger cuff beat-to-beat blood pressure (BP), electrocardiography, palmar electrodermal activity (EDA), and finger pulse volume (FPV)-were obtained at rest and during autonomic stressors-posture change, handgrip, and mental stress. Maximal as well as specific responses to stressors were compared.
RESULTS
Eighteen patients with CMP (mean age 54 ± 14 years; 16 men, 89%; left ventricular ejection fraction 36% ± 14%) with refractory VAs and 8 matched healthy controls were studied; 9 patients with CMP underwent testing before and after (median 28 days) BCSD, with comparable ongoing medication. Before BCSD, patients with CMP (n = 13) had lower resting systolic BP and FPV than did healthy controls (P < .01). Maximal FPV and systolic BP reflex responses, expressed as percent change were similar, while diastolic BP, mean BP, and EDA responses were blunted. After BCSD, resting measurements were unchanged relative to presurgical baseline (n = 9). EDA responses to stressors were abolished, confirming BCSD, while maximal FPV and BP responses were preserved. Diastolic BP, mean BP, and FPV responses to orthostatic challenge pointed toward a better tolerance of active standing after BCSD as compared with before. Responses to other stressors remained unchanged.
CONCLUSION
Patients with CMP and refractory VAs on optimal medical therapy have detectable but blunted adrenergic responses, which are not disrupted by BCSD.
Topics: Autonomic Nervous System; Blood Pressure; Electrocardiography; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Heart Rate; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Reflex; Retrospective Studies; Sympathectomy; Tachycardia, Ventricular; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 32325196
DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2020.04.022 -
Frontiers in Neural Circuits 2021Primitive reflexes are evident shortly after birth. Many of these reflexes disappear during postnatal development as part of the maturation of motor control. This study...
Primitive reflexes are evident shortly after birth. Many of these reflexes disappear during postnatal development as part of the maturation of motor control. This study investigates the changes of connectivity related to sensory integration by spinal dI3 interneurons during the time in which the palmar grasp reflex gradually disappears in postnatal mice pups. Our results reveal an increase in GAD65/67-labeled terminals to perisomatic Vglut1-labeled sensory inputs contacting cervical and lumbar dI3 interneurons between postnatal day 3 and day 25. In contrast, there were no changes in the number of perisomatic Vglut1-labeled sensory inputs to lumbar and cervical dI3 interneurons other than a decrease between postnatal day 15 and day 25. Changes in postsynaptic GAD65/67-labeled inputs to dI3 interneurons were inconsistent with a role in the sustained loss of the grasp reflex. These results suggest a possible link between the maturation of hand grasp during postnatal development and increased presynaptic inhibition of sensory inputs to dI3 interneurons.
Topics: Animals; Hand Strength; Interneurons; Mice; Reflex; Sensation; Spinal Cord
PubMed: 35153680
DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2021.768235 -
International Journal of Environmental... Jan 2023The aim of the pilot project was to research relationships between the occurrence and level of intensity of primitive reflexes in primary school children, the ability to...
The aim of the pilot project was to research relationships between the occurrence and level of intensity of primitive reflexes in primary school children, the ability to read an analogue clock and to tell the time. A group of 28 children (14 girls and 14 boys) who attended Montessori Primary School was examined. In the first stage, participants were assessed for the presence of five primitive reflexes (PR): the asymmetrical tonic neck reflex (ATNR), symmetrical tonic neck reflex (STNR), spinal Galant reflex, tonic labyrinthine reflex (TLR) and Palmar grasp reflex. Romberg's test was employed to identify signs of difficulties with control of balance and/or proprioception. In the second stage, pupils underwent tests that challenged their ability to read a clock and calculate passing time. After summing up points obtained for all tests, a correlation coefficient was made from which the results were derived. There is a negative correlation between the ability to read an analogue clock and the continued presence of some primitive reflexes. Lower neuromotor maturity (higher points of PR) correlates with lower ability to read a clock. The highest correlations between difficulty with telling the time were found with persistence of the STNR, ATNR and Romberg's test.
Topics: Male; Female; Humans; Child; Pilot Projects; Reflex, Abnormal; Reflex; Dyslexia
PubMed: 36767689
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20032322 -
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) Sep 2023Electrodermal activity (EDA) usually relates to variations in the electrical properties of palmar or plantar skin sites. EDA responses, namely skin conductance responses...
Electrodermal activity (EDA) usually relates to variations in the electrical properties of palmar or plantar skin sites. EDA responses, namely skin conductance responses (SCRs), skin potential responses (SPRs) and skin susceptance responses (SSRs) are shown to be sensitive indexes of sympathetic nervous system activation and are studied in many research projects. However, the association between EDA responses and the five basic human senses has not been investigated yet. Our study aimed to explore the relationship between the three EDA responses (SCRs, SSRs and SPRs) and the five basic human senses. These three EDA responses were measured simultaneously at the same skin site on each of the 38 volunteers. The tested five senses were sight, hearing, touch, taste and smell. The results showed that the different tested senses led to different degrees of EDA responses due to activation of the sympathetic nervous system and corresponding secretion of sweat. Although a controlled study on the degree of EDA as a function of the strength of each stimulus was not performed, we noted that the largest EDA responses were typically associated with the smell sense test. We conclude that EDA responses could be utilized as measures for examining the sensitivity of the human senses. Hence, EDA devices may have important roles in sensory systems for future clinical applications.
Topics: Humans; Galvanic Skin Response; Skin Physiological Phenomena; Skin; Touch; Touch Perception
PubMed: 37837011
DOI: 10.3390/s23198181 -
Techniques in Hand & Upper Extremity... Mar 2023Various surgical techniques exist to treat de Quervain's stenosing tendovaginitis. Specific surgical techniques for de Quervain's are designed to avoid complications...
Various surgical techniques exist to treat de Quervain's stenosing tendovaginitis. Specific surgical techniques for de Quervain's are designed to avoid complications including injury to branches of the superficial branch of the radial nerve, inadequate decompression, reflex sympathetic dystrophy, and palmar subluxation of the released tendons. A simple dorsal incision through the extensor retinaculum is advocated by many as a means to release the compartment while preventing postoperative subluxation. A single incision through the retinaculum limits exposure of the compartment and could lead to reannealing of the retinaculum and recurrent symptoms. Partial resection of the extensor retinaculum provides a more complete release and has not been found to lead to palmar tendon subluxation.
Topics: Humans; Tenosynovitis; Tendons; Tendon Entrapment; Forearm; Tenotomy; Joint Dislocations; De Quervain Disease
PubMed: 35686888
DOI: 10.1097/BTH.0000000000000402 -
Frontiers in Neuroscience 2017George Marinesco is the founder of Romanian School of Neurology and one of the most remarkable neuroscientists of the last century. He was the pupil of Jean-Martin...
George Marinesco is the founder of Romanian School of Neurology and one of the most remarkable neuroscientists of the last century. He was the pupil of Jean-Martin Charcot in Salpêtrière Hospital in Paris, France, but visited many other neurological centers where he met the entire constellation of neurologists of his time, including Camillo Golgi and Santiago Ramón y Cajal. The last made the preface of Nervous Cell, written in French by Marinesco. The original title was "La Cellule Nerveuse" and is considered even now a basic reference book for specialists in the field. He was a refined clinical observer with an integrative approach, as could be seen from the multitude of his discoveries. The descriptions of the succulent hand in syringomyelia, senile plaque in old subjects, palmar jaw reflex known as Marinesco-Radovici sign, or the application of cinematography in medicine are some of his important contributions. He was the first who described changes of locus niger in a patient affected by tuberculosis, as a possible cause in Parkinson disease. Before modern genetics, Marinesco and Sjögren described a rare and complex syndrome bearing their names. He was a hardworking man, focused on his scientific research, did not accepted flattering of others and was a great fighter against the injustice of the time.
PubMed: 29317856
DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2017.00726 -
Frontiers in Neuroscience 2019In the critical period of neurodevelopment (gestation and lactation), maternal consumption of essential fatty acids (FAs) can alter the offspring cognitive function...
In the critical period of neurodevelopment (gestation and lactation), maternal consumption of essential fatty acids (FAs) can alter the offspring cognitive function permanently causing damage. Lipids can regulate neurotrophin and compose brain tissue. However, the effects of maternal consumption of a mixture of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on an offspring nervous system are not completely clear. We aimed to investigate the impacts of different CLA concentrations mixed into the maternal diet during early life on neonatal reflex maturation and cognitive functions of the offspring. Three groups were formed: control (CG): receiving a standard diet; CLA1: receiving a diet containing 1% of CLA, and CLA3: receiving a diet containing 3% of CLA, offered during gestation and lactation. After birth, the reflex responses of the offspring were observed from the 1st to the 21st day. After weaning, the animals' anxiety and memory were assessed using open field (OF) and novel object recognition tests. Fatty acids in the breast milk and the offspring's brain were also quantified. The data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and the Kruskal-Wallis test. CLA1 presented accelerated palmar grasp disappearance versus CLA3 and negative-geotaxis versus CG; and the CLA3 presented increases for most reflexes (cliff-avoidance, vibrissa-placing, negative-geotaxis, and auditory-startle response), and decrease in reflexes palmar grasp and free-fall righting versus CG ( < 0.05). CLA3 group explored less of the OF in the second exposure. CLA1 and CLA3 presented an increased exploration ratio for new objects, which indicates memory improvement. The milk tested from CLA3 demonstrated an increase in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), and a decrease in monounsaturated fatty acids. The amount of CLA in milk was greater in CLA1 and CLA3 and in the brain offspring both presented moderated amounts of CLA. Maternal treatment with the CLA mixture induced anticipated reflex maturation and improved memory in the offspring. Even though CLA was detected in the brains in only trace amounts, offspring's brain PUFA and SFA levels were increased. Further studies aimed to delineate the effect of maternal CLA supplementation on offspring's brain lipid metabolism and long-term neurologic outcome are needed to confirm these findings.
PubMed: 31068778
DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00370 -
PloS One 2015Eyelid opening stretches mechanoreceptors in the supratarsal Müller muscle to activate the proprioceptive fiber supplied by the trigeminal mesencephalic nucleus. This...
Eyelid opening stretches mechanoreceptors in the supratarsal Müller muscle to activate the proprioceptive fiber supplied by the trigeminal mesencephalic nucleus. This proprioception induces reflex contractions of the slow-twitch fibers in the levator palpebrae superioris and frontalis muscles to sustain eyelid and eyebrow positions against gravity. The cell bodies of the trigeminal proprioceptive neurons in the mesencephalon potentially make gap-junctional connections with the locus coeruleus neurons. The locus coeruleus is implicated in arousal and autonomic function. Due to the relationship between arousal, ventromedial prefrontal cortex, and skin conductance, we assessed whether upgaze with trigeminal proprioceptive evocation activates sympathetically innervated sweat glands and the ventromedial prefrontal cortex. Specifically, we examined whether 60° upgaze induces palmar sweating and hemodynamic changes in the prefrontal cortex in 16 subjects. Sweating was monitored using a thumb-mounted perspiration meter, and prefrontal cortex activity was measured with 45-channel, functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and 2-channel NIRS at Fp1 and Fp2. In 16 subjects, palmar sweating was induced by upgaze and decreased in response to downgaze. Upgaze activated the ventromedial prefrontal cortex with an accumulation of integrated concentration changes in deoxyhemoglobin, oxyhemoglobin, and total hemoglobin levels in 12 subjects. Upgaze phasically and degree-dependently increased deoxyhemoglobin level at Fp1 and Fp2, whereas downgaze phasically decreased it in 16 subjects. Unilateral anesthetization of mechanoreceptors in the supratarsal Müller muscle used to significantly reduce trigeminal proprioceptive evocation ipsilaterally impaired the increased deoxyhemoglobin level by 60° upgaze at Fp1 or Fp2 in 6 subjects. We concluded that upgaze with strong trigeminal proprioceptive evocation was sufficient to phasically activate sympathetically innervated sweat glands and appeared to induce rapid oxygen consumption in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex and to rapidly produce deoxyhemoglobin to regulate physiological arousal. Thus, eyelid opening with trigeminal proprioceptive evocation may activate the ventromedial prefrontal cortex via the mesencephalic trigeminal nucleus and locus coeruleus.
Topics: Adult; Brain Stem; Eyelids; Female; Hemoglobins; Humans; Male; Mechanoreceptors; Neurovascular Coupling; Prefrontal Cortex; Proprioception; Sweat Glands; Sweating; Trigeminal Nuclei
PubMed: 26244675
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0134659 -
The Spine Journal : Official Journal of... Jan 2016Cervical radiculopathy is a common disorder caused by compression of the cervical nerve roots and is characterized by arm pain and altered sensory-motor function....
BACKGROUND CONTEXT
Cervical radiculopathy is a common disorder caused by compression of the cervical nerve roots and is characterized by arm pain and altered sensory-motor function. Incongruity in the locations of C6 and C7 dermatomes in competing versions of historical dermatome maps has plagued interpretation of impaired sensation associated with C6 and C7 radiculopathies. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allows accurate identification of the C6 or C7 nerve root compression and therefore makes it possible to explore sensory findings that are associated with compression of specific nerve root.
PURPOSE
This study compared the locations of impaired sensation in subjects with cervical radiculopathy from MRI-confirmed C6 and C7 nerve root compression.
STUDY DESIGN
Case series was used for this study.
PATIENT SAMPLE
A total of 122 subjects with symptoms suggestive of cervical radiculopathy were recruited by 11 spine specialist from 5 practice locations. Of these, 30 subjects had MRI-confirmed C6 and 40 subjects C7 radiculopathy.
OUTCOME MEASURES
Standardized pinprick sensory examination of the forearm and hand of every subject was performed, and the locations of sensory impairments were recorded.
METHODS
Sensory examination was performed before reviewing MRI results or performing motor or reflex examination. Areas of impaired sensation were recorded on drawings of the palmar and dorsal forearm and hand, and translated using a grid into 36 specific areas for analysis. Chi-square was used to compare frequencies of findings for each grid area for C6 and C7 radiculopathies. Power analysis suggested that a minimum of 27 subjects in each group were needed to detect a 30 percentage point difference in frequency of sensory impairments. Significance was set at ≤.05.
RESULTS
Approximately 80% of subjects had impaired sensation in at least 1 grid area, most often in the distal forearm and hand, and many had findings in multiple areas. There was nearly complete overlap for locations of impaired sensation for C6 and C7 radiculopathy, and the frequencies of impaired sensation differed only in the dorsal aspect of the distal radial forearm where it was twice as common in C6 radiculopathy (p=.02).
CONCLUSIONS
The location of sensory impairments associated with symptomatic C6 and C7 nerve root compression overlap to the extent that caution should be exercised when predicting compression of either the C6 or C7 nerve roots based on locations of impaired sensation. Impaired sensation in the radial aspect of the distal forearm is more common in C6 radiculopathies.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Cervical Vertebrae; Female; Humans; Hypesthesia; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Middle Aged; Radiculopathy; Spinal Nerve Roots
PubMed: 26253986
DOI: 10.1016/j.spinee.2015.07.462