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Neurological Sciences : Official... Mar 2021Migraine is one of the most common disabling diseases in the world. Its recurrent attacks may lead to abnormalities in the structure of the brain and retina. An... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Migraine is one of the most common disabling diseases in the world. Its recurrent attacks may lead to abnormalities in the structure of the brain and retina. An increasing number of studies have investigated retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness alterations in migraine by the optical coherence tomography (OCT); however, no consensus has yet reached.
METHOD
We searched Pubmed, Embase, and Web of Science databases to identify studies that investigated RNFL thickness in migraine by OCT measurement and performed a meta-analysis of eligible studies.
RESULTS
Twenty-six studies were included in the meta-analysis, comprising 1530 migraine patients and 1105 healthy controls. The mean RNFL thickness was thinner in the migraine group compared to the control group (SMD =- 0.53). In the subgroup analyses, RNFL thickness were decreased most significantly in the superior (SMD = - 0.71) and inferior (SMD = - 0.63) quadrants among all quadrants. Migraine with aura (SMD = - 0.91) showed a greater effect size of RNFL thickness reduction than migraine without aura (SMD =- 0.47). Spectral-domain OCT (SMD = - 0.55) seems more sensitive to detect RNFL thickness reduction than time-domain OCT (SMD = - 0.44). In addition, age, sex, disease duration, attack frequency, and intraocular pressure were not significantly associated with RNFL thickness.
CONCLUSIONS
The findings from our comprehensive meta-analysis with large datasets strengthen the clinical evidence of the RNFL thickness reduction in migraine. RNFL thickness via spectral-domain OCT measurement demonstrates the potential role in differentiating patients with migraine, especially migraine with aura, from healthy controls.
Topics: Humans; Migraine Disorders; Nerve Fibers; Retina; Retinal Ganglion Cells; Tomography, Optical Coherence
PubMed: 33439389
DOI: 10.1007/s10072-020-04992-4 -
Journal of Neurology Nov 2021The peripapillar nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) thinning in different retinal quadrants or sectors remains controversy. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis on... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
The peripapillar nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) thinning in different retinal quadrants or sectors remains controversy. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis on the pattern of pRNFL thinning in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients to provide a biomarker for PD differential diagnosis.
METHODS
We systematically searched PubMed and EMBASE to identify studies comparing pRNFL thickness in PD patients and health controls using spectral domain-optical coherence tomography from inception to April 25, 2020. Random effects mode was used to pool mean difference (μm) of the average thickness of pRNFL and the thickness of pRNFL in four quadrants (superior, inferior, nasal and temporal) and in the subdivisions of superior (superonasal and superotemporal sectors) and inferior quadrants (inferonasal and inferotemporal sectors) between PD patients and health controls.
RESULTS
We included 32 studies (33 sets of data) enrolling 2126 PD eyes and 2318 health control eyes. Between the eyes of PD patients and that of health controls, the pooled mean difference (μm) of average pRNFL was - 4.85 (95% CI [- 6.12, - 3.58]); the pooled mean difference (μm) of four quadrants were - 2.30 (95% CI [- 3.32, - 1.28], nasal), - 2.74 (95% CI [- 4.34, - 1.14], temporal), - 5.24 (95% CI [- 7.04, - 3.43], superior) and - 7.29 (95% CI [- 9.23, - 5.34], inferior); those of four sectors were - 5.16 (95% CI [- 7.70, - 2.62], superotemporal), - 3.55 (95% CI [- 5.87, - 1.23], superonasal), - 9.19 (95% [- 13.27, - 5.12], inferotemporal) and - 7.62 (95% CI [- 11.84, - 3.40], inferonasal).
CONCLUSION
In PD patients, pRNFL thinning followed a specific pattern with inferotemporal thinning most and nasal quadrant thinning least.
Topics: Humans; Nerve Fibers; Optic Disk; Parkinson Disease; Retinal Ganglion Cells; Tomography, Optical Coherence
PubMed: 32691237
DOI: 10.1007/s00415-020-10094-0 -
NeuroImage Oct 2016Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) applies exogenous oscillatory electric field potentials to entrain neural rhythms and is used to investigate... (Review)
Review
Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) applies exogenous oscillatory electric field potentials to entrain neural rhythms and is used to investigate brain-function relationships and its potential to enhance perceptual and cognitive performance. However, due to current spread tACS can cause cutaneous activation of the retina and phosphenes. Several lines of evidence suggest that retinal phosphenes are capable of inducing neural entrainment, making the contributions of central and peripheral stimulation to the effects in the brain difficult to disentangle. In this literature review, the importance of this issue is further illustrated by the fact that photic stimulation can have a direct impact on perceptual and cognitive performance. This leaves open the possibility that peripheral photic stimulation can at least in part explain the central effects that are attributed to tACS. The extent to which phosphene perception contributes to the effects of exogenous oscillatory electric fields in the brain and influence perception and cognitive performance needs to be examined to understand the working mechanisms of tACS in neurophysiology and behaviour.
Topics: Animals; Brain Mapping; Brain Waves; Evidence-Based Medicine; Evoked Potentials, Visual; Humans; Phosphenes; Photic Stimulation; Retinal Ganglion Cells; Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation; Visual Cortex; Visual Pathways; Visual Perception
PubMed: 26453929
DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2015.09.067 -
Cells Mar 2022Galanin is a neuropeptide expressed in a small percentage of sensory neurons of the dorsal root ganglia and the superficial lamina of the dorsal horn of the spinal cord.... (Review)
Review
Galanin is a neuropeptide expressed in a small percentage of sensory neurons of the dorsal root ganglia and the superficial lamina of the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. In this work, we systematically reviewed the literature regarding the role of galanin and its receptors in nociception at the spinal and supraspinal levels, as well as in chronic pain conditions. The literature search was performed in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, ScienceDirect, OVID, TRIP, and EMBASE using "Galanin" AND "pain" as keywords. Of the 1379 papers that were retrieved in the initial search, we included a total of 141 papers in this review. Using the ARRIVE guidelines, we verified that 89.1% of the works were of good or moderate quality. Galanin shows a differential role in pain, depending on the pain state, site of action, and concentration. Under normal settings, galanin can modulate nociceptive processing through both a pro- and anti-nociceptive action, in a dose-dependent manner. This peptide also plays a key role in chronic pain conditions and its antinociceptive action at both a spinal and supraspinal level is enhanced, reducing animals' hypersensitivity to both mechanical and thermal stimulation. Our results highlight galanin and its receptors as potential therapeutic targets in pain conditions.
Topics: Animals; Chronic Pain; Galanin; Ganglia, Spinal; Sensory Receptor Cells; Spinal Cord
PubMed: 35269462
DOI: 10.3390/cells11050839 -
Archives of Oral Biology Jun 2017This critical review summarizes the current knowledge of the structural and functional characteristics of periodontal mechanoreceptors, and understands their role in the... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
This critical review summarizes the current knowledge of the structural and functional characteristics of periodontal mechanoreceptors, and understands their role in the signal pathways and functional motor control.
METHOD
A systematic review of the literature was conducted. Original articles were searched through Pubmed, Cochrane Central database and Embase until january 2016.
RESULT
1466 articles were identified through database searching and screened by reviewing the abstracts. 160 full-text were assessed for eligibility, and after 109 exclusion, 51 articles were included in the review process. Studies selected by the review process were mainly divided in studies on animal and studies on humans. Morphological, histological, molecular and electrophysiological studies investigating the periodontal mechanoreceptors in animals and in humans were included, evaluated and described.
CONCLUSION
Our knowledge of the periodontal mechanoreceptors, let us conclude that they are very refined neural receptors, deeply involved in the activation and coordination of the masticatory muscles during function. Strictly linked to the rigid structure of the teeth, they determine all the functional physiological and pathological processes of the stomatognathic system. The knowledge of their complex features is fundamental for all dental professionists. Further investigations are of utmost importance for guiding the technological advances in the respect of the neural control in the dental field.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Mastication; Masticatory Muscles; Mechanoreceptors; Periodontium; Stress, Mechanical
PubMed: 28226300
DOI: 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2017.02.010 -
PloS One 2013Simple deformation of the skin surface with textured materials can improve human perceptual-motor performance. The implications of these findings are inexpensive,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Simple deformation of the skin surface with textured materials can improve human perceptual-motor performance. The implications of these findings are inexpensive, adaptable and easily integrated clothing, equipment and tools for improving perceptual-motor functionality. However, some clarification is needed because mixed results have been reported in the literature, highlighting positive, absent and/or negative effects of added texture on measures of perceptual-motor performance. Therefore the aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of textured materials for enhancing perceptual-motor functionality. The systematic review uncovered two variables suitable for sub-group analysis within and between studies: participant age (groupings were 18-51 years and 64.7-79.4 years) and experimental task (upright balance and walking). Evaluation of studies that observed texture effects during upright balance tasks, uncovered two additional candidate sub-groups for future work: vision (eyes open and eyes closed) and stability (stable and unstable). Meta-analysis (random effects) revealed that young participants improve performance by a small to moderate amount in upright balance tasks with added texture (SMD = 0.28, 95%CI = 0.46-0.09, Z = 2.99, P = 0.001; Tau(2) = 0.02; Chi(2) = 9.87, df = 6, P = 0.13; I(2) = 39.22). Significant heterogeneity was found in, the overall effect of texture: Tau(2) = 0.13; Chi(2) = 130.71, df = 26, P<0.0001; I(2) = 85.98%, pooled samples in upright balance tasks: Tau(2) = 0.09; Chi(2) = 101.57, df = 13, P<0.001; I(2) = 72.67%, and in elderly in upright balance tasks: Tau(2) = 0.16; Chi(2) = 39.42, df = 5, P<0.001; I(2) = 83.05%. No effect was shown for walking tasks: Tau(2) = 0.00; Chi(2) = 3.45, df = 4, P = 0.27, I(2) = 22.99%. Data provides unequivocal support for utilizing textured materials in young healthy populations for improving perceptual-motor performance. Future research is needed in young healthy populations under conditions where visual and proprioceptive information is challenged, as in high-speed movements, or where use of equipment mediates the performer-environment interaction or where dysfunctional information sources 'compete' for attention. In elderly and ailing populations data suggests further research is required to better understand contexts where texture can facilitate improved perceptual-motor performance.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Age Factors; Aged; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Postural Balance; Psychomotor Performance; Sensory Receptor Cells; Vision, Ocular; Walking; Young Adult
PubMed: 23565232
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0060349 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Feb 2010Glaucoma is a heterogeneous group of conditions involving progressive damage to the optic nerve, deterioration of retinal ganglion cells and ultimately visual field... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Glaucoma is a heterogeneous group of conditions involving progressive damage to the optic nerve, deterioration of retinal ganglion cells and ultimately visual field loss. It is a leading cause of blindness worldwide. Open angle glaucoma (OAG), the commonest form of glaucoma, is a chronic condition that may or may not present with increased intraocular pressure (IOP). Neuroprotection for glaucoma refers to any intervention intended to prevent optic nerve damage or cell death. The treatment can target extracellular factors such as reducing IOP, or cellular factors derived from the optic nerve itself such as blocking intracellular death signals.
OBJECTIVES
The objective of this review was to systematically examine the evidence regarding the effectiveness of neuroprotective agents, either topical or oral, for slowing the progression of OAG in adults.
SEARCH STRATEGY
We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (which contains the Cochrane Eyes and Vision Group Trials Register) (The Cochrane Library, Issue 4, 2009), MEDLINE (January 1960 to January 2010), EMBASE (January 1980 to January 2010), Latin American and Caribbean Literature on Health Sciences (LILACS) (January 1982 to January 2010) and ClinicalTrials.gov (http://clinicaltrials.gov). (5 January 2010). There were no language or date restrictions in the search for trials. The electronic databases were last searched on 5 January 2010.
SELECTION CRITERIA
This review was limited to randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in which topical or oral treatments were used to prevent retinal ganglion cell death. Our population of interest was adults with OAG. As the primary outcome for this review was the proportion of participants who developed any progression of visual field loss at five years post intervention, only trials with at least five years of follow-up were included.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently reviewed titles and abstracts from the literature searches. Full text copies of relevant or potentially relevant studies were obtained and re-evaluated for inclusion. There were no trials identified for this review, thus we performed no data extraction or meta-analysis. Two studies comparing memantine to placebo are currently awaiting classification until additional study details are provided. Reasons for excluding studies from the review were documented.
MAIN RESULTS
In accordance with the selection criteria for inclusion, we identified no studies relevant for this review. The results of short-term trials and other studies are discussed in this review.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Although neuroprotective agents are intended to act as pharmacological antagonists to prevent cell death, the evidence that they are effective in preventing retinal ganglion cell death, and thus preserving vision in patients with OAG, has not been demonstrated. Long-term RCTs are needed to determine whether or not neuroprotective agents may be beneficial for individuals with OAG.
Topics: Administration, Oral; Administration, Topical; Adult; Cell Death; Disease Progression; Glaucoma, Open-Angle; Humans; Neuroprotective Agents; Optic Nerve; Optic Nerve Diseases; Retinal Ganglion Cells
PubMed: 20166085
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD006539.pub2 -
Respiratory Care Dec 2015Cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy is one of the factors implicated in the high morbidity and mortality rate in patients with COPD. Thus, several studies and... (Review)
Review
Cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy is one of the factors implicated in the high morbidity and mortality rate in patients with COPD. Thus, several studies and nonsystematic reviews have increasingly reported autonomic function impairment in these subjects. For a better understanding, this systematic review was performed to evaluate not only the evidence for autonomic function impairment, but also factors influencing it. The results of the studies reviewed showed a strong level of evidence to support the impairment of heart rate variability in the time domain. A similar evidence level was also found to support impairment in baroreceptor sensitivity and muscle sympathetic nerve activity. Furthermore, this review identified physical activity level, muscle function, and circadian rhythm as the major influencing factors (strong evidence) of autonomic function in subjects with COPD. However, no definite conclusion could be reached for factors such as dyspnea, anxiety, body composition, pulmonary function, age, breathing frequency, ventilatory effort, quality of life, and disease severity due to limited, conflicting, or lack of existing evidence. The results of this review highlight relevant clinical messages for clinicians and other health-care providers regarding the role autonomic function can play as an important physiological marker for prognostication and stratification. Hence, autonomic function outcomes should be identified and considered during management of patients with COPD. Moreover, this review can serve as basis for future research aimed at assessing the interventions for autonomic function abnormalities in these patients.
Topics: Autonomic Nervous System; Autonomic Nervous System Diseases; Circadian Rhythm; Heart Rate; Humans; Motor Activity; Muscles; Pressoreceptors; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive
PubMed: 26487747
DOI: 10.4187/respcare.04174 -
Der Urologe. Ausg. A Apr 2016Urodynamic studies are utilised for identification and follow-up of functional disorders of the lower urinary tract. Provocation tests are used to determine disorders... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Urodynamic studies are utilised for identification and follow-up of functional disorders of the lower urinary tract. Provocation tests are used to determine disorders which could not be revealed in standard cystometry. The ice water test is a simple test to identify neurogenic bladder dysfunction and to screen the integrity of the upper motor neuron in neurogenic bladder dysfunction.
OBJECTIVES
Development and significance of the ice water test is presented in this review against the background of physiology and pathophysiology of the lower urinary tract.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A systematic review of PubMed and ScienceDirect databases was performed in April 2015. No language or time limitation was applied. The following key words and Medical Subject Heading terms were used to identify relevant studies: "ice water test", "bladder cooling reflex", "micturition" and "neuronal control". Review articles and bibliographies of other relevant studies identified were hand searched to find additional studies.
RESULTS
The ice water test is performed by rapid instillation of 4-8 °C cold fluid into the urinary bladder. Hereby, afferent C fibers are activated by cold receptors in the bladder leading to the bladder cooling reflex. It is a spinal reflex which causes an involuntarily contraction of the urinary bladder. The test is normally positive in young infants during the first 4 years of life and become negative with maturation of the central nervous system afterwards by inhibition of the reflex. The damage of the upper motor neuron causes the recurrence of the reflex in the adulthood and indicates spinal and cerebral lesions.
DISCUSSION
The ice water test is utilised to identify lesions of the upper motor neuron. However, in the case of detrusor acontractility the test will always be negative and can not be utilized to distinguish between neurogenic or muscular causes. Furthermore, the test is also positive in a small percentage of cases of non-neurogenic diseases, e.g. in prostate-related bladder outlet obstruction or idiopathic overactive bladder. Although no clear explanation exists, a positive ice water test could be the first sign of an otherwise asymptomatic neurological disease.
CONCLUSIONS
Due to the simple procedure, the ice water test is a reliable possibility to identify neurologic bladder hyperactivity subsequent to standard cystometry.
Topics: Cold Temperature; Diagnosis, Differential; Diagnostic Techniques, Urological; Humans; Reflex; Reproducibility of Results; Sensitivity and Specificity; Urinary Bladder; Urinary Bladder, Neurogenic; Urination; Urination Disorders
PubMed: 26459574
DOI: 10.1007/s00120-015-3981-2 -
Eye (London, England) Mar 2021The purpose of this study is to systematically review the reported data of normal optical coherence tomography (OCT) results in the paediatric population. A systematic... (Review)
Review
The purpose of this study is to systematically review the reported data of normal optical coherence tomography (OCT) results in the paediatric population. A systematic literature search was performed using the PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases, using the keywords "optical coherence tomography"; "normative data" or "healthy eyes"; "children" or "paediatric population". Studies with at least 50 participants were included, irrespective of the OCT equipment employed. We excluded the OCT angiography studies or the studies investigating the choroidal thickness. Seventy-four studies were included in the final analysis and information on study design, number of participants, demographic characteristics, type of OCT equipment, OCT parameters and results was collected. Due to the high variability of OCT instruments and parameters used, a meta-analysis was not feasible. We report the normative values for the peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer thickness and the macular retinal thickness for each ETDRS quadrant, as provided by the studies included in the present analysis. We also report the influence of ethnicity, age, gender, eye laterality, ISNT rule, spherical equivalent, and axial length on OCT results.
Topics: Child; Choroid; Cross-Sectional Studies; Humans; Refraction, Ocular; Retina; Retinal Ganglion Cells; Tomography, Optical Coherence
PubMed: 32929184
DOI: 10.1038/s41433-020-01177-3