Nervous System Diseases Commons^™

Riding The Advocacy Revolution: Stem Cell Activists. The Future Of Cirm, And Public Awareness, Kenneth P. Serbin

At Risk for Huntington's Disease

No abstract provided.

Game-Changers In The Fight Against Disease: A Report From The World Cup Cell Summit, Kenneth P. Serbin

At Risk for Huntington's Disease

No abstract provided.

Prosopagnosia, Leah Fleischman

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Prosopagnosia is a cognitive disorder that affects one’s ability to recognize faces. Prosopagnosia can be caused by a congenital defect, or it can be acquired as a result of brain damage. Much research has been devoted to discovering the specific causes and effects of Prosopagnosia. Many case studies have been performed in order to determine the specific effects that each case of Prosopagnosia causes for various individuals suffering from the disease. This article discusses the various aspects of Prosopagnosia; specifically focusing on the behavioral, anatomical, and neurological implications

Stem Cells As A Cure For Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Chaya K. Hirsch

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal motor neuron disease which affects approximately 30,000 Americans at any given time (alsa.org, 2010). The etiology of this terminal disease unfortunately remains an unsolved mystery and has therefore severely limited the ability to find a cure. The use of stem cells to regenerate neurons has been vastly studied and have produced very promising results. However, its practicality as a cure or treatment for neurodegenerative diseases, such as ALS, is greatly compromised. Three different therapies involving stem cells were examined, Embryonic Stem Cells (ESC), induced pluripotent stem cells, (iPSC) and direct reprogramming of adult …

Neural Plasticity Following Ischemia, Shira Brickman

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Neural plasticity refers to the ability of one’s brain to change its structure and/or function in response to changes in behavior, environment, and neural processes. When a person suffers an ischemic brain injury, it often leads to hemisyndrome with motor and sensory deficits in the arm, leg, and face of one side. This article discusses the various ways that the existing network can be restructured and neuronal connections can be remodeled after the injury to enable partial or complete recovery of motor function. Spontaneous functional recovery after stroke develops through the overlapping sequence of events including a phase of axonal …

Assessing Function And Endurance In Adults With Spinal And Bulbar Muscular Atrophy: Validity Of The Adult Myopathy Assessment Tool., Michael O. Harris-Love, Lindsay Fernandez-Rhodes, Galen Joe, Joseph A. Shrader, Angela Kokkinis, Alison La Pean Kirschner, Sungyoung Auh, Cheunju Chen, Li Li, Ellen Levy, Todd E. Davenport, Nicholas A. Di Prospero, Kenneth H. Fischbeck

Exercise and Nutrition Sciences Faculty Publications

Purpose. The adult myopathy assessment tool (AMAT) is a performance-based battery comprised of functional and endurance subscales that can be completed in approximately 30 minutes without the use of specialized equipment. The purpose of this study was to determine the construct validity and internal consistency of the AMAT with a sample of adults with spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA).

Methods. AMAT validity was assessed in 56-male participants with genetically confirmed SBMA (mean age, 53 ± 10 years). The participants completed the AMAT and assessments for disease status, strength, and functional status. Results. Lower AMAT scores were associated with longer …

B Cells Populating The Multiple Sclerosis Brain Mature In The Draining Cervical Lymph Nodes, J. N. Stern, G. Yaari, J. A. Vander Heiden, G. Church, W. F. Donahue, R. Q. Hintzen, A. J. Huttner, J. D. Laman, R. M. Nagra, K. C. O’Connor, +7 Additional Authors

Journal Articles

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS) characterized by autoimmune-mediated demyelination and neurodegeneration. The CNS of patients with MS harbors expanded clones of antigen-experienced B cells that reside in distinct compartments including the meninges, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and parenchyma. It is not understood whether this immune infiltrate initiates its development in the CNS or in peripheral tissues. B cells in the CSF can exchange with those in peripheral blood, implying that CNS B cells may have access to lymphoid tissue that may be the specific compartment(s) in which CNS-resident B cells encounter antigen and …

Is 30 Ml Cerebrolysin A Safe And Effective Drug For Improving Global And Cognitive Function In Patients With Alzheimer's Disease Aged 50 Years And Older With No Significant Comorbidities?, Anthony Champion

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not the use of 30 mL Cerebrolysin is a safe and effective drug for improving global and cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer’s Disease aged 50 years and older with no significant comorbidities.

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review of three randomized controlled trials published between 2001-2006, all English language.

DATA SOURCES: Three randomized controlled trials comparing the efficacy of cerebrolysin to placebo in the treatment of individuals ages 50 and over with AD related cognitive and global functioning decline. All articles found using PubMed.

OUTCOMES MEASURED …

Does Prophylacitc Medication Reduce Intrauterin Device (Iud) Insertion Pain In Women Of Childbearing Age?, Mariel M. Deshaies

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not prophylactic medication reduces intrauterine device (IUD) insertion pain in women of childbearing age.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of 3 English language trials: a randomized controlled trial, double-blinded randomized control trial, and a double-blinded randomized placebo controlled trial.

DATA SOURCES: A randomized controlled trial, double-blinded randomized control trial, and a double-blinded randomized placebo controlled trial comparing the prophylactic medications: lidocaine and mistoprostol or placebo group. All articles were found using Medline, PubMed, and OVID.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Reduction of pain with IUD insertion was compared …

Is Massage Therapy An Effective Treatment For Improving Sleep Quality In Women Age 50-80 Diagnosed With Cancer?, Alexander M. Chase

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not massage therapy is an effective treatment in improving sleep quality among women age 50-80 diagnosed with cancer.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of two English language randomized control trials published in 2004 and 2011 and one English language quasiexperimental pretest-posttest comparison study publishEd in 2002.

DATA SOURCES: Data sources were articles published in peer reviewed journals found using PubMed and EBSCOhost.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Sleep quality was measured using the Verran and Snyder-Halpem Sleep Scale and the Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire.

RESULTS: Soden et al …

Is Riboflavin Effective As Prophylaxis For Reducing The Frequency Of Migraine Headaches In The Pediatric Population?, Megan Haines

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not riboflavin is effective as prophylaxis for reducing the frequency of migraine headaches in the pediatric population.

Study Design: Systematic review of the three English language primary studies, published between 2008-2010.

Data Sources: Two randomized controlled trials and one retrospective study published after 1996 comparing migraine frequency before and after administration of riboflavin were obtained using PubMed and EBSCO databases.

Outcomes Measured: Reduction in migraine frequency, determined by child-parent collaborated headache diary while using prophylactic intervention, was the primary outcome measured. This outcome …

Does Electroanalgesic Therapy Decrease Neuropathic Pain In Diabetic Patients?, Michelle A. Lee

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not use of electroanalgesic therapy decreases neuropathic pain symptoms in diabetic patients

STUDY DESIGN: Review of a 2 randomized control trial published in 2013 and 2011 published in the English language and an observational study published in 2010 in the German language translated into English.

DATA SOURCES: One randomized, double-blind control trial comparing frequency-modulated electromagnetic stimulation vs placebo in reduction of diabetic neuropathic pain, one randomized, control trial comparing microcurrent transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation vs placebo in reduction of painful diabetic neuropathy and a observational …

Does Oral Dextromethorphan Provide Pain Relief In Patients With Diabetic Neuropathy?, Brittany L. Lundberg

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not oral dextromethorphan provides pain relief in patients with diabetic neuropathy.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three peer-reviewed, double blind, randomized control trials published between 1995-2012.

DATA SOURCES: Studies were selected through Cochrane Library Collection and PubMed and chosen based on their relevance to the clinical question as well as their inclusion criteria; including adults over the age of 18; and those who were experiencing daily pain of moderate intensity, for at least half of the day, over a span of 3 months.

OUTCOMES MEASURED …

Does A Mobile-Bearing Vs. Fixed-Bearing Total Knee Replacement Affect Post-Operative Knee Pain At One Year?, Alison P. Mackey

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not a mobile-bearing vs. fixed-bearing total knee replacement affects post-operative knee pain at one year.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three English language primary studies, published between 2008 and 2012.

DATA SOURCES: Three randomized controlled trials published after 2008 comparing post-operative knee pain in mobile vs. fixed-bearing total knee replacements using PubMed and Cochrane databases.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Knee pain, reported by patients post-operatively using various professional questionnaires, was the primary outcome measured. Subjects reported pain experienced during specific provoking activities on the EuroQol, Western …

Is The Combination Therapy Of Clopidogrel (Plavix) And Aspirin Compared To Antithrombotic Single Therapy Safe And Effective In The Prevention Of Stroke In Adults?, Tsitsi Masviba

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not “Is the combination therapy of clopidogrel (Plavix) and aspirin compared to antithrombotic single therapy is safe and effective in the prevention of stroke in adults?”

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three, English language, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial studies with an intention-­‐to-­‐treat basis published in 2004-2010.

DATA SOURCES: Three randomized controlled trial studying the safety and effectiveness of the combination therapy of clopidogrel (Plavix) and Aspirin compared to antithrombotic single therapy in the prevention of stroke in adults.

OUTCOME (S) MEASURED: Outcomes measured were …

Is Apixaban Effective For The Prevention Of Stroke In Patients With Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation?, Amira Moore

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this EBM review is to determine whether or not Apixaban is effective for the prevention of stroke in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three English language primary studies published all published in 2011.

DATA SOUCRES: Three double-blind randomized control trials found using the Cochrane Database and PubMed.

OUTCOME(S) MEASURED: Outcomes measured were occurrence of stroke (TIA or CVA), systemic embolism, major bleeding or clinically relevant non-major bleeding, and incidence of death.

RESULTS: Apixaban 2.5mg and 5mg were both superior to Warfarin in the prevention of stroke or …

Does Autologous Conditioned Il-1 Antagonist (Acs) Reduce Pain In Patients With Oa Or Lumbar Radiculopathy?, Jonathan Mitchell

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether or not Autologous conditioned IL-1 antagonist (ACS) reduces pain in patients with OA or lumbar radiculopathy.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of 3 randomized, double-blind controlled clinical trials in 2007, 2008, and 2009, all in English.

DATA SOURCES: Two randomized, double-blinded controlled clinical trials comparing the effectiveness of intra-articular injections of an autologous IL-1 receptor antagonist solution versus a control in OA and one randomized, double-blinded controlled clinical trials comparing autologous IL-1 receptor antagonist epidural injection versus 5 and 10 mg triamcinolone in patients with lumbar radiculopathy.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: The outcomes in this study …

The Affects Of Music Therapy On Management Of Pain And Anxiety During Burn Dressing Changes, Kush S. Patel

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not music therapy improves pain management and anxiety during burn dressing changes.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three English languages primary randomized controlled trial studies published from 1992-2010.

DATA SOURCES: Three randomized controlled trials studying the affects of music therapy during burn dressing changes were found using PubMed, OVID and Cochrane databases.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Outcomes measured were level of pain and anxiety experienced by the patients. The severities of these symptoms were measured using a numeric scale system. An analyses of anxiety was measured …

Does Treatment With Amantadine Increase The Rate Of Improvement Of Cognitive Function In Patients Suffering From Traumatic Brain Injury?, Matthew Voit

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: To determine, “Does treatment with amantadine improve the rate of cognitive function in patients with Traumatic Brain Injury?”

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three English language randomized controlled trials from 1999-2012

DATA SOURCES: Three randomized, placebo-controlled, double blind cross-over trials comparing amantadine to placebo were found using Pub-Med and Cochrane Databases.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: The trials measured the effects of amantadine on command-following, object recognition, functional object use, intelligible verbalization, reliable yes-or-no communication, sustained attention, orientation, attention, memory, executive flexibility, and behavior and used the following assessment tools: Neurobehavioral Rating Scale and DRS (Disability Rating Scale).

RESULTS …

Is Dexamethasone Epidural Injection Effective In Relieving Radicular Pain In An Adult Population?, Christine M. Unger

PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not dexamethasone epidural injections are effective in treating radicular pain in an adult population.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of three randomized controlled trials, two of which were published in 2012 and one in 2010, all English language.

DATA SOURCES: Three randomized controlled trials comparing dexamethasone epidural injections to saline injections. All articles were found using PubMed, Medline, and OVID.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: Researchers measured pain associated with radicular pain using the Short McGill Pain Questionnaire, Numeric Pain Scale, and Oswestry Disability Index.

RESULTS: All …