Neurology

OBJECTIVE: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a pre-dementia state; 5-10% of cases per year will evolve into dementia. MCI can be amnestic (AMCI) or non-amnestic. AMCI is associated with a higher risk of progression. In recent years, interest in acupuncture as a potential treatment for AMCI has grown. The aim of this meta-analysis was to estimate the clinical effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for AMCI.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a scientifically sound and clinically relevant evidence-based guideline for the treatment of painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN). METHODS: We performed a systematic review of the literature from 1960 to August 2008 and classified the studies according to the American Academy of Neurology classification of evidence scheme for a therapeutic article, and recommendations were linked to the strength of the evidence.

Fear and anxiety are debilitating conditions that affect a significant number of individuals in their lifetimes. Understanding underlying mechanisms of these disorders affords us the possibility of therapeutic intervention. Such clarity in terms of mechanism and intervention can only come from an amalgamation of research from human to animal studies that attempt to mimic the human condition, both of which are discussed in this review. We begin by presenting an outline of our current understanding of the neurobiological basis of fear and anxiety.

This paper presents a review of recent work on the role that two epigenetic-related systems may play in information processing mechanisms in the brain. The first consists of exosomes that transport epigenetic-related molecules between neurons. The second consists of homeoproteins like Otx2 that carry information from sense organs to primary sensory cortex. There is developing evidence that presynaptic neurons may be able to modulate the fine microanatomical structure in the postsynaptic neuron.

Novel diagnostic methods, such as cerebrospinal fluid-based neurochemical dementia diagnostics (CSF-NDD) and [18F] amyloid positron emission tomography (PET) are meanwhile recommended for specific indications by international guidelines for the improved early and differential diagnostics of multigenic (sporadic) Alzheimer's dementia (AD).

INTRODUCTION: Love is a complex emotional state which is difficult to define. Considering anthropological studies, this feeling can now be divided into three distinct behaviors: lust, attraction for a specific partner and conjugal or filial attachment. STATE OF ART: For each, recent findings have contributed to identify specific neuronal networks which are interconnected as shown by common activation of limbic and paralimbic systems. A major role of arginine/vasopressin and oxytocin has also been pointed out for mate choice and attachment promotion.

The author shares his memories of a 48-year friendship with Frank B. Walsh, known as the Father of American neuro-ophthalmology. Personal anecdotes reveal Walsh as a man of kindness, sensitivity and unusual humor, and they document the origins of such lesser known neuro-ophthalmic terms as "Walsh's sign of mad" and "the belly button nystagmus of Walsh."

The author shares his memories of a 48-year friendship with Frank B. Walsh, known as the Father of American neuro-ophthalmology. Personal anecdotes reveal Walsh as a man of kindness, sensitivity and unusual humor, and they document the origins of such lesser known neuro-ophthalmic terms as "Walsh's sign of mad" and "the belly button nystagmus of Walsh."

In accordance with recent ever increasing numbers in elder population in Japan, number of patients of age-related neurological diseases such as stroke, dementia and neurodegenerative diseases, etc., also remarkably increasing. Naturally, social needs for medical intervention in neurological fields inevitably become indispensable. The role of the neurologists, especially specialists of neurology, must be substantially important in the near future. The Japanese Society of Neurology has already launched the system for quality-certified specialists for neurology in 1970's.

The humanitarian sector has grown enormously over the past two decades. Some fear that professionalisation comes at the expense of altruistic volunteering. This may be a valid concern if altruism is the product of organisational culture and individual experiences rather than an innate trait. This paper examines advances in evolutionary biology and neurology that provide evidence in support of both the nature and nurture arguments, echoing earlier insights from social sciences.