Journal articles on the topic 'Sensory and motor characteristics'

Congenital contractures are a heterogeneous group of various diseases with different etiology and pathogenesis. The article describes a family case of hereditary sensory-motor polyneuropathy caused by a mutation with 943GA (p Arg315Trp) in the TRPV4 gene (transient receptor potential vanilloid cation channel 4, NM_021625. 4). The article presents the clinical and neurological characteristics of the patient, the results of genetic and neurophysiological examination of the patient and his parents, differential diagnosis of this disease. Congenital contractures are a heterogeneous group of various diseases with different etiology and pathogenesis. The article describes a family case of hereditary sensory-motor polyneuropathy caused by a mutation with 943GA (p Arg315Trp) in the TRPV4 gene (transient receptor potential vanilloid cation channel 4, NM_021625. 4). The article presents the clinical and neurological characteristics of the patient, the results of genetic and neurophysiological examination of the patient and his parents, differential diagnosis of this disease. Congenital contractures are a heterogeneous group of various diseases with different etiology and pathogenesis. The article describes a family case of hereditary sensory-motor polyneuropathy caused by a mutation with 943GA (p Arg315Trp) in the TRPV4 gene (transient receptor potential vanilloid cation channel 4, NM_021625. 4). The article presents the clinical and neurological characteristics of the patient, the results of genetic and neurophysiological examination of the patient and his parents, differential diagnosis of this disease. Congenital contractures are a heterogeneous group of various diseases with different etiology and pathogenesis. The article describes a family case of hereditary sensory-motor polyneuropathy caused by a mutation with 943GA (p Arg315Trp) in the TRPV4 gene (transient receptor potential vanilloid cation channel 4, NM_021625. 4). The article presents the clinical and neurological characteristics of the patient, the results of genetic and neurophysiological examination of the patient and his parents, differential diagnosis of this disease. Congenital contractures are a heterogeneous group of various diseases with different etiology and pathogenesis. The article describes a family case of hereditary sensory-motor polyneuropathy caused by a mutation with 943GA (p Arg315Trp) in the TRPV4 gene (transient receptor potential vanilloid cation channel 4, NM_021625. 4). The article presents the clinical and neurological characteristics of the patient, the results of genetic and neurophysiological examination of the patient and his parents, differential diagnosis of this disease. Congenital contractures are a heterogeneous group of various diseases with different etiology and pathogenesis. The article describes a family case of hereditary sensory-motor polyneuropathy caused by a mutation with 943GA (p Arg315Trp) in the TRPV4 gene (transient receptor potential vanilloid cation channel 4, NM_021625. 4). The article presents the clinical and neurological characteristics of the patient, the results of genetic and neurophysiological examination of the patient and his parents, differential diagnosis of this disease. Congenital contractures are a heterogeneous group of various diseases with different etiology and pathogenesis. The article describes a family case of hereditary sensory-motor polyneuropathy caused by a mutation with 943GA (p Arg315Trp) in the TRPV4 gene (transient receptor potential vanilloid cation channel 4, NM_021625. 4). The article presents the clinical and neurological characteristics of the patient, the results of genetic and neurophysiological examination of the patient and his parents, differential diagnosis of this disease. Congenital contractures are a heterogeneous group of various diseases with different etiology and pathogenesis. The article describes a family case of hereditary sensory-motor polyneuropathy caused by a mutation with 943GA (p Arg315Trp) in the TRPV4 gene (transient receptor potential vanilloid cation channel 4, NM_021625. 4). The article presents the clinical and neurological characteristics of the patient, the results of genetic and neurophysiological examination of the patient and his parents, differential diagnosis of this disease. Congenital contractures are a heterogeneous group of various diseases with different etiology and pathogenesis. The article describes a family case of hereditary sensory-motor polyneuropathy caused by a mutation with 943GA (p Arg315Trp) in the TRPV4 gene (transient receptor potential vanilloid cation channel 4, NM_021625. 4). The article presents the clinical and neurological characteristics of the patient, the results of genetic and neurophysiological examination of the patient and his parents, differential diagnosis of this disease. Congenital contractures are a heterogeneous group of various diseases with different etiology and pathogenesis. The article describes a family case of hereditary sensory-motor polyneuropathy caused by a mutation with 943GA (p Arg315Trp) in the TRPV4 gene (transient receptor potential vanilloid cation channel 4, NM_021625. 4). The article presents the clinical and neurological characteristics of the patient, the results of genetic and neurophysiological examination of the patient and his parents, differential diagnosis of this disease. Congenital contractures are a heterogeneous group of various diseases with different etiology and pathogenesis. The article describes a family case of hereditary sensory-motor polyneuropathy caused by a mutation with 943GA (p Arg315Trp) in the TRPV4 gene (transient receptor potential vanilloid cation channel 4, NM_021625. 4). The article presents the clinical and neurological characteristics of the patient, the results of genetic and neurophysiological examination of the patient and his parents, differential diagnosis of this disease. Congenital contractures are a heterogeneous group of various diseases with different etiology and pathogenesis. The article describes a family case of hereditary sensory-motor polyneuropathy caused by a mutation with 943GA (p Arg315Trp) in the TRPV4 gene (transient receptor potential vanilloid cation channel 4, NM_021625. 4). The article presents the clinical and neurological characteristics of the patient, the results of genetic and neurophysiological examination of the patient and his parents, differential diagnosis of this disease. Congenital contractures are a heterogeneous group of various diseases with different etiology and pathogenesis. The article describes a family case of hereditary sensory-motor polyneuropathy caused by a mutation with 943GA (p Arg315Trp) in the TRPV4 gene (transient receptor potential vanilloid cation channel 4, NM_021625. 4). The article presents the clinical and neurological characteristics of the patient, the results of genetic and neurophysiological examination of the patient and his parents, differential diagnosis of this disease. Congenital contractures are a heterogeneous group of various diseases with different etiology and pathogenesis. The article describes a family case of hereditary sensory-motor polyneuropathy caused by a mutation with 943GA (p Arg315Trp) in the TRPV4 gene (transient receptor potential vanilloid cation channel 4, NM_021625. 4). The article presents the clinical and neurological characteristics of the patient, the results of genetic and neurophysiological examination of the patient and his parents, differential diagnosis of this disease. Congenital contractures are a heterogeneous group of various diseases with different etiology and pathogenesis. The article describes a family case of hereditary sensory-motor polyneuropathy caused by a mutation with 943GA (p Arg315Trp) in the TRPV4 gene (transient receptor potential vanilloid cation channel 4, NM_021625. 4). The article presents the clinical and neurological characteristics of the patient, the results of genetic and neurophysiological examination of the patient and his parents, differential diagnosis of this disease. Congenital contractures are a heterogeneous group of various diseases with different etiology and pathogenesis. The article describes a family case of hereditary sensory-motor polyneuropathy caused by a mutation with 943GA (p Arg315Trp) in the TRPV4 gene (transient receptor potential vanilloid cation channel 4, NM_021625. 4). The article presents the clinical and neurological characteristics of the patient, the results of genetic and neurophysiological examination of the patient and his parents, differential diagnosis of this disease. Congenital contractures are a heterogeneous group of various diseases with different etiology and pathogenesis. The article describes a family case of hereditary sensory-motor polyneuropathy caused by a mutation with 943GA (p Arg315Trp) in the TRPV4 gene (transient receptor potential vanilloid cation channel 4, NM_021625. 4). The article presents the clinical and neurological characteristics of the patient, the results of genetic and neurophysiological examination of the patient and his parents, differential diagnosis of this disease. Congenital contractures are a heterogeneous group of various diseases with different etiology and pathogenesis. The article describes a family case of hereditary sensory-motor polyneuropathy caused by a mutation with 943GA (p Arg315Trp) in the TRPV4 gene (transient receptor potential vanilloid cation channel 4, NM_021625. 4). The article presents the clinical and neurological characteristics of the patient, the results of genetic and neurophysiological examination of the patient and his parents, differential diagnosis of this disease. Congenital contractures are a heterogeneous group of various diseases with different etiology and pathogenesis. The article describes a family case of hereditary sensory-motor polyneuropathy caused by a mutation with 943GA (p Arg315Trp) in the TRPV4 gene (transient receptor potential vanilloid cation channel 4, NM_021625. 4). The article presents the clinical and neurological characteristics of the patient, the results of genetic and neurophysiological examination of the patient and his parents, differential diagnosis of this disease. Congenital contractures are a heterogeneous group of various diseases with different etiology and pathogenesis. The article describes a family case of hereditary sensory-motor polyneuropathy caused by a mutation with 943GA (p Arg315Trp) in the TRPV4 gene (transient receptor potential vanilloid cation channel 4, NM_021625. 4). The article presents the clinical and neurological characteristics of the patient, the results of genetic and neurophysiological examination of the patient and his parents, differential diagnosis of this disease. Congenital contractures are a heterogeneous group of various diseases with different etiology and pathogenesis. The article describes a family case of hereditary sensory-motor polyneuropathy caused by a mutation with 943GA (p Arg315Trp) in the TRPV4 gene (transient receptor potential vanilloid cation channel 4, NM_021625. 4). The article presents the clinical and neurological characteristics of the patient, the results of genetic and neurophysiological examination of the patient and his parents, differential diagnosis of this disease. Congenital contractures are a heterogeneous group of various diseases with different etiology and pathogenesis. The article describes a family case of hereditary sensory-motor polyneuropathy caused by a mutation with 943GA (p Arg315Trp) in the TRPV4 gene (transient receptor potential vanilloid cation channel 4, NM_021625. 4). The article presents the clinical and neurological characteristics of the patient, the results of genetic and neurophysiological examination of the patient and his parents, differential diagnosis of this disease. Congenital contractures are a heterogeneous group of various diseases with different etiology and pathogenesis. The article describes a family case of hereditary sensory-motor polyneuropathy caused by a mutation with 943GA (p Arg315Trp) in the TRPV4 gene (transient receptor potential vanilloid cation channel 4, NM_021625. 4). The article presents the clinical and neurological characteristics of the patient, the results of genetic and neurophysiological examination of the patient and his parents, differential diagnosis of this disease. Congenital contractures are a heterogeneous group of various diseases with different etiology and pathogenesis. The article describes a family case of hereditary sensory-motor polyneuropathy caused by a mutation with 943GA (p Arg315Trp) in the TRPV4 gene (transient receptor potential vanilloid cation channel 4, NM_021625. 4). The article presents the clinical and neurological characteristics of the patient, the results of genetic and neurophysiological examination of the patient and his parents, differential diagnosis of this disease. Congenital contractures are a heterogeneous group of various diseases with different etiology and pathogenesis. The article describes a family case of hereditary sensory-motor polyneuropathy caused by a mutation with 943GA (p Arg315Trp) in the TRPV4 gene (transient receptor potential vanilloid cation channel 4, NM_021625. 4). The article presents the clinical and neurological characteristics of the patient, the results of genetic and neurophysiological examination of the patient and his parents, differential diagnosis of this disease. Congenital contractures are a heterogeneous group of various diseases with different etiology and pathogenesis. The article describes a family case of hereditary sensory-motor polyneuropathy caused by a mutation with 943GA (p Arg315Trp) in the TRPV4 gene (transient receptor potential vanilloid cation channel 4, NM_021625. 4). The article presents the clinical and neurological characteristics of the patient, the results of genetic and neurophysiological examination of the patient and his parents, differential diagnosis of this disease. Congenital contractures are a heterogeneous group of various diseases with different etiology and pathogenesis. The article describes a family case of hereditary sensory-motor polyneuropathy caused by a mutation with 943GA (p Arg315Trp) in the TRPV4 gene (transient receptor potential vanilloid cation channel 4, NM_021625. 4). The article presents the clinical and neurological characteristics of the patient, the results of genetic and neurophysiological examination of the patient and his parents, differential diagnosis of this disease.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical and pathological correlations characterising each clinical subtype of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP).MethodsWe assessed 106 consecutive patients who had CIDP fulfilling the European Federation of Neurological Societies and Peripheral Nerve Society criteria and had been referred for sural nerve biopsy. Patients with anti-neurofascin 155, anti-contactin 1 and anti-LM1 antibodies were excluded.Results55 patients were classified as having typical CIDP. Regarding atypical CIDP, the multifocal acquired demyelinating sensory and motor (MADSAM) (n=15), distal acquired demyelinating symmetric (DADS) (n=16) and pure sensory (n=15) forms were major subtypes, while the pure motor (n=4) and focal (n=1) forms were rare. Nerve conduction studies revealed that distal motor latencies and F-wave latencies were markedly prolonged in the typical CIDP group but relatively preserved in the MADSAM group. Motor conduction velocity was conspicuously slowed in the DADS group, and distal motor latencies were markedly prolonged in the pure sensory group. Sural nerve biopsy specimens from patients with MADSAM, DADS and pure sensory type tended to show extreme variation in myelinated fibre density among fascicles due to focal myelinated fibre loss or onion-bulb formation, whereas patients with typical CIDP tended to show mild fascicular variation. Epineurial lymphocytic infiltration was conspicuous in cases with marked fascicular variation in myelinated fibre density.ConclusionsPreferential involvement of distal and proximal segments and uniform pathological features in typical CIDP indicate a role of humoral factors at sites where the blood–nerve barrier is deficient. By contrast, focal lesions in MADSAM, DADS and pure sensory forms may share neuropathic mechanisms primarily affecting the nerve trunk.

Objectives To compare the neuroanatomical characteristics of the deep and superficial tissues at acupuncture point LI11 using a neural tracing technique, in order to examine the neural basis of potential differences between deep and superficial needling techniques. Methods In order to mimic the situations of the deep and superficial needling, the retrograde neural tracer Alexa Fluor 488 conjugate of cholera toxin subunit B (AF488-CTB) was injected into the muscle or subcutaneous tissue, respectively, at acupuncture point LI11 in eight rats (n=4 each). Three days following injection, the distribution of motor and sensory neurons labelled with AF488-CTB was examined in the spinal cord and dorsal root ganglia (DRG) under a fluorescent microscope. Results For both types of injection, labelled motor and sensory neurons were distributed on the side ipsilateral to the injection in the spinal cord and DRG between spinal levels C5 and T1. The number of labelled motor neurons following intramuscular injection was significantly higher than subcutaneous injection. By contrast, the number of labelled sensory neurons following subcutaneous injection was significantly higher in number and extended over a greater number of spinal segments compared to intramuscular injection. Conclusions These data indicate that the motor and sensory innervation of muscle and subcutaneous tissue beneath LI11 differ, and suggest that acupuncture signals induced by deep and superficial needling stimulation may be transmitted through different neural pathways.

Background Small doses of bupivacaine may be a reasonable choice for spinal anesthesia for patients having ambulatory surgery. However, few dose-response data are available to guide the selection of reasonable doses of bupivacaine for different ambulatory procedures. Methods Eight volunteers per group were randomized to receive 3.75, 7.5, or 11.25 mg of 0.75% bupivacaine with 8.25% dextrose in a double-blind manner. Sensory block was assessed with pinprick, transcutaneous electrical stimulation equivalent to surgical incision at the ankle, knee, pubis, and umbilicus, and with duration of tolerance to pneumatic thigh tourniquet. Motor block at the quadriceps and gastrocnemius muscles was assessed with isometric force dynamometry. Times until recovery from spinal anesthesia were recorded. Dose-response relationships were determined by linear regressions. Mean (95% confidence intervals) for durations of sensory and motor block per milligram of bupivacaine administered were calculated from linear regressions. Results Significant dose-response relationships (P < 0.006) were determined for sensory block, motor block, and time until recovery (R from 0.6 to 0.9). Within the range of doses studied, each additional milligram of bupivacaine was associated with an increase in duration of tolerance to transcutaneous electrical stimulation of 10 (7 to 13) min, an increase in tolerance to tourniquet of 7 (2 to 11) min, an increase in duration of motor block of 8 (5 to 12) min, and an increase in time until recovery of 21 (17 to 25) min. Conclusions These dose-response data may guide the selection of reasonable doses of bupivacaine for various outpatient procedures, although individual responses vary.

Brain lesion characteristics (timing, location, and extent) and the type of corticospinal tract (CST) wiring have been proposed as determinants of upper limb (UL) motor function in unilateral cerebral palsy (uCP), yet an investigation of the relative combined impact of these factors on both motor and sensory functions is still lacking. Here, we first investigated whether structural brain lesion characteristics could predict the underlying CST wiring and we explored the role of CST wiring and brain lesion characteristics to predict UL motor and sensory functions in uCP. Fifty-two participants with uCP (mean age (SD): 11 y and 3 m (3 y and 10 m)) underwent a single-pulse Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation session to determine CST wiring between the motor cortex and the more affected hand (n=17 contralateral, n=19 ipsilateral, and n=16 bilateral) and an MRI to determine lesion timing (n=34 periventricular (PV) lesion, n=18 corticosubcortical (CSC) lesion), location, and extent. Lesion location and extent were evaluated with a semiquantitative scale. A standardized protocol included UL motor (grip strength, unimanual capacity, and bimanual performance) and sensory measures. A combination of lesion locations (damage to the PLIC and frontal lobe) significantly contributed to differentiate between the CST wiring groups, reclassifying the participants in their original group with 57% of accuracy. Motor and sensory functions were influenced by each of the investigated neurological factors. However, multiple regression analyses showed that motor function was predicted by the CST wiring (more preserved in individuals with contralateral CST (p<0.01)), lesion extent, and damage to the basal ganglia and thalamus. Sensory function was predicted by the combination of a large and later lesion and an ipsilateral or bilateral CST wiring, which led to increased sensory deficits (p<0.05). These novel insights contribute to a better understanding of the underlying pathophysiology of UL function and may be useful to delineate individualized treatment strategies.

10549 Background: Survivors of CNS tumors are at risk for peripheral motor and sensory neuropathy. Chemotherapy’s contribution to peripheral neuropathy has not been well studied in this population. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of peripheral neuropathy, and determine its association with tumor characteristics and treatment exposures. Methods: Within the SJLIFE cohort, survivors of CNS tumors (n = 363, median [range] age 24 [18-53] years, 43.3% female) ≥10 years from diagnosis and ≥ 18 years at evaluation completed in-person assessments for peripheral motor and sensory neuropathy (defined as abnormal motor or sensory subscales of the Modified Total Neuropathy Score). For comparison, matched community controls (n = 445, median [range] age 34 [18-70] years, 55.7% female) underwent the same assessment. Prevalence of ≥ grade 2 motor or sensory neuropathy was estimated by a modified Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events. Multivariable analyses adjusting for age, sex and race were used to identify associated disease and treatment characteristics. Results: Overall, 11.0% of survivors of CNS tumors versus 0.9% of controls had ≥grade 2 motor neuropathy (p < 0.001), and 15.7% of survivors of CNS tumors versus 2.3% of controls had ≥grade 2 sensory neuropathy (p < 0.001). Prevalence of motor and sensory neuropathy varied by diagnosis (Table). Vinca alkaloid exposure (OR 3.5, 95% CI 1.7-7.0) and infratentorial tumor location (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.1-5.4, reference supratentorial location) were independent risk factors for sensory neuropathy. Infratentorial tumor location was also associated with an increased risk of motor neuropathy (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.2-4.8). History of radiation and surgery were not significant independent risk factors for motor or sensory neuropathy. Conclusions: Prevalence of peripheral motor and sensory neuropathy was significantly higher in survivors of CNS tumors than in matched community controls. Survivors of CNS tumors would benefit from increased surveillance to identify and treat peripheral neuropathy, especially in those who received vinca alkaloids or had infratentorial tumors. [Table: see text]

Le Ray, Didier, François Clarac, and Daniel Cattaert. Functional analysis of the sensory motor pathway of resistance reflex in crayfish. II. Integration of sensory inputs in motor neurons. J. Neurophysiol. 78: 3144–3153, 1997. The in vitro preparation of the fifth thoracic ganglion of the crayfish was used to analyze the connections supporting the monosynaptic reflex responses recorded from the depressor motor neurons (Dep MNs). Dep MNs are directly connected by the release-sensitive afferents from a proprioceptor, the coxo-basipodite chordotonal organ (CBCO), which is released by upward movements of the leg. Sine-wave movements, applied to the CBCO strand from the most released position, allowed us to stimulate the greatest part of release-sensitive CBCO fibers. Systematic intracellular recordings from all Dep MNs performed in high divalent cation saline allowed us to determine the connections between CBCO afferents and their postsynaptic Dep MNs: it highlighted the sequential activation of the different Dep MNs involved in the monosynaptic reflex. The convergence of different sensory afferents onto a given Dep MN, and the divergence of a given sensory afferent onto several Dep MNs illustrates the complexity of the sensory-motor reflex loops involved in the control of locomotion and posture. Electrophysiological experiments and simulations were performed to analyze the mechanisms by which Dep MNs integrate the large amount of sensory input that they receive. Paired intracellular recording experiments demonstrated that postsynaptic response shapes characteristic of both phasic and phaso-tonic afferents could be induced by varying the presynaptic firing frequency, whatever the postsynaptic Dep MN. Compartment model simulations were used to analyze the role of the sensory-motor synapse characteristics in the summation properties of postsynaptic MN. They demonstrated the importance of the postsynaptic compartment geometry, because large postsynaptic compartments allowed to generate greater excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) summations than small ones. The results presented show that velocity information is the most effective to elicit large compound EPSPs in MNs. We therefore suggest that the negative feedback reflex is mainly based on the detection of leg movements.

Background: Spinal anesthesia with bupivacaine is administered routinely for lower abdominal and lower limb surgeries. The ensuing nerve block is sufficient to ensure patient’s well being, while motor block facilitates the surgeon’s work. In patients receiving spinal anaesthesia, with local anesthetic agents like bupivacaine, the addition of another drug as adjuvant prolongs the analgesia. The present study is designed to study the effect of dexmedetomidine (D) and Clonidine (C) on the duration of motor and sensory block as well as postoperative analgesia by intrathecal bupivacaine in patients undergoing lower limb orthopedic surgery. Subjects and Methods: This study was carried out on 90 patients in the age group of 18 to 50 years, belonging to the American Society of Anesthesiologists(ASA) physical status I and II presenting for lower limb orthopedic surgery were included in the study. Patients were divided randomly into 3 groups. Group D received 1μg kg-1of dexmedetomidine, group C received 2 μg kg-1 of clonidine and group NS Control group received an equivalent amount of normal saline. Results: From the current study we observed that single dose of 1 μg kg-1 dexmedetomidine over 20 minutes started 20 minutes after spinal block and a single dose of 2 μg kg-1 Clonidine resulted in a significant prolongation of time to two-segment regression, postoperative analgesia, sensory block and motor block with the maintenance of hemodynamic parameters. Intravenous dexmedetomidine was more effective than Clonidine at the prolongation of time to two-segment regression, postoperative analgesia, sensory block and motor block of spinal anesthesia with 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine. Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine (1μg kg-1) in comparison to Clonidine (2 μg kg-1) and placebo is far more effective in the motor blockade, sensory blockade and duration of postoperative analgesia.

Neuromodulatory neurons located in the brain can influence activity in locomotor networks residing in the spinal cord or ventral nerve cords of invertebrates. How inputs to and outputs of neuromodulatory descending neurons affect walking activity is largely unknown. With the use of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry and immunohistochemistry, we show that a population of dorsal unpaired median (DUM) neurons descending from the gnathal ganglion to thoracic ganglia of the stick insect Carausius morosus contains the neuromodulatory amine octopamine. These neurons receive excitatory input coupled to the legs’ stance phases during treadmill walking. Inputs did not result from connections with thoracic central pattern-generating networks, but, instead, most are derived from leg load sensors. In excitatory and inhibitory retractor coxae motor neurons, spike activity in the descending DUM (desDUM) neurons increased depolarizing reflexlike responses to stimulation of leg load sensors. In these motor neurons, descending octopaminergic neurons apparently functioned as components of a positive feedback network mainly driven by load-detecting sense organs. Reflexlike responses in excitatory extensor tibiae motor neurons evoked by stimulations of a femur-tibia movement sensor either are increased or decreased or were not affected by the activity of the descending neurons, indicating different functions of desDUM neurons. The increase in motor neuron activity is often accompanied by a reflex reversal, which is characteristic for actively moving animals. Our findings indicate that some descending octopaminergic neurons can facilitate motor activity during walking and support a sensory-motor state necessary for active leg movements. NEW & NOTEWORTHY We investigated the role of descending octopaminergic neurons in the gnathal ganglion of stick insects. The neurons become active during walking, mainly triggered by input from load sensors in the legs rather than pattern-generating networks. This report provides novel evidence that octopamine released by descending neurons on stimulation of leg sense organs contributes to the modulation of leg sensory-evoked activity in a leg motor control system.

Objectives: To compare the effect of induction position (sitting versus lateral) for spinal anaesthesia in the elderly patient on hemodynamic, sensory block and motor block characteristics and patient satisfaction.Material and methods: Randomized controlled trial of patients undergoing spinal anaesthesia for lower abdominal, pelvic, lower limb and urological surgeries aged more than 60 years. Hyperbaric Bupivacain (0.05%) was injected into the spinal space while the patients were either in sitting or lateral position. Effects on hemodynamic parameters, sensory block and motor block characteristics and patient satisfaction were analysed.Results: Induction position for spinal anaesthesia does not affect the hemodynamic parameters and incidence of adverse effects when adequate preloading is done. There was no statistically significant difference in the sensory level and motor level achieved. However lateral position appears to be more comfortable for elderly patients (P= 0.03).Conclusions: Induction position for administration of spinal anaesthesia has no effect on hemodynamic parameters or block characteristics except that patients feel more comfortable in lateral position.Keywords: Spinal anesthesia, Induction position, Hyperbaric bupivacaine.

ABSTRACTSetting appropriate timing and force parameters of muscle activity is a significant part of producing skillful movement behavior: Data reported here suggest that an important characteristic of children with developmental coordination disorders (DCD) is inconsistency and lack of precision in regulating timing and force characteristics of muscle activity to correct for perturbations to balance. Children with and without DCD stood on a moveable platform. Balance was perturbed under fully redundant sensory conditions and under conditions where vision was removed or vestibular input was modified. EMG activity in tibialis anterior and quadriceps leg muscles was recorded. Children with normal motor development produced less force than children with DCD. Children with DCD tended to rely on proximal muscle activity to respond to perturbations to balance and, in contrast to children with normal motor development, modified temporal but not force characteristics of muscle activity when the sensory framework for balance was modified.

Background. Effective intrapartum analgesia attenuates pain, stress, and anxiety which cause release of stress hormones as well as beta-endorphins. Aim. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of adding dexmedetomidine to hyperbaric bupivacaine for neuraxial analgesia for labor. Methods. Ninety laboring multiparous women were allocated to have single shot intrathecal bupivacaine alone (B), bupivacaine with fentanyl (BF), or bupivacaine with dexmedetomidine (BD). Sensory and motor block characteristics; time from injection to two dermatome sensory regression, sensory regression to S1 dermatome, and motor block regression to Bromage 1 were recorded. Labor pain was assessed with a 10 cm verbal pain scale. Results. Peak sensory block levels in the three groups were essentially the same (). The time for sensory and motor blocks to reach T10 dermatome and Bromage 1, respectively, was faster in group BD than in the other groups (). The time for sensory regression to S1 was significantly prolonged in the group BD (). Motor block regression time to Bromage 1 was also prolonged in the group BD (). Neonatal outcome was normal in all groups. Conclusion. Single shot intrathecal bupivacaine/dexmedetomidine significantly prolonged sensory block in laboring women.

Introduction: Guillain-Barré syndrome is an immune-mediated peripheral neuropathy characterized by different clinical manifestations. We aimed to describe the clinical features, seasonal distribution, subtypes, and electrodiagnostic characteristics of Iranian children with Guillain-Barré syndrome. Methods: In this prospective study, a total of 30 children with Guillain-Barré syndrome were evaluated. All demographic features were collected and electrodiagnostic study was assessed. Results: Twelve participants were diagnosed with acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy and 18 patients were identified with acute motor axonal neuropathy. The initial findings showed that a significant number of patients (23 cases, P = .003) resided in rural areas. Our results showed a higher incidence of Guillain-Barré syndrome in summer and autumn months. No significant difference was observed between the seasonal distribution of acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy and acute motor axonal neuropathy subtypes. Antecedent history of pulmonary infections was recorded in 14 children with Guillain-Barré syndrome. Electrophysiological findings revealed a pattern of prolonged F wave latency with reduced persistency, absence of sensory nerve action potential, reduced compound muscle action potential amplitude, prolonged distal motor latency, reduced nerve conduction velocity, and abnormal temporal dispersion or conduction block in most patients with acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy. However, reduced compound muscle action potential amplitude, F wave with normal latency and reduced persistency, normal sensory nerve action potential amplitude, normal distal latency, normal sensory nerve conduction velocity, and conduction block or temporal dispersion were observed in most acute motor axonal neuropathy patients. Conclusion: The data support a correlation between Guillain-Barré syndrome incidence with seasonal variation and living area. Further studies should assess the Guillain-Barré syndrome features in pediatric population.

This study aimed to compare clinical efficacy and safety of chloroprocaine and lidocaine in epidural anesthesia for outpatient knee arthroscopy. Eighty patients undergoing knee arthroscopy were randomly allocated to receive 3% 2-chloroprocaine (group C, n = 40) or 2% lidocaine (group L, n = 40) for epidural block. Latency to anesthesia onset, highest block level, time to achieve peak effect, time to complete sensory and motor block regression, vital signs including respiration and hemodynamics, and complications during follow-up were recorded. No significant differences were found in the latency to anesthesia onset and peak effect, duration of anesthesia efficacy, and the time for recovery of sensory function between the two groups. However, the latency to maximal block of pain sensation and the time needed to recover motor function were significantly shorter in group C than in group L ( p < 0.05). No adverse effects or neurologic complications were found in both groups. In conclusion, epidural chloroprocaine elicits rapid anesthetic effects, fast sensor and motor block, and faster recovery of motor function compared to lidocaine. These characteristics make chloroprocaine better than lidocaine as the choice of epidural anesthesia in short clinical operations such as knee arthroscopy.

AbstractThis article presents an overview of sensorymotor aspects of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). These phenomena have received less attention than obsessions and compulsions, but are nonetheless important in the development, maintenance, phenomenology, and treatment of the disease. In many individuals, seemingly disparate sensory-motor symptoms can be conceptualized as part and parcel of OCD. Sensory-motor aspects are discussed within the context of faulty information processing and related to neuropsychiatric systems characteristic of OCD. As the pathophysiology of OCD is highly extensive, not all sensory-motor symptoms discussed here will be observed in every individual.

The sensory and motor capacities of the human hand are reviewed in the context of providing a set of performance characteristics against which prosthetic and dextrous robot hands can be evaluated. The sensors involved in processing tactile, thermal, and proprioceptive (force and movement) information are described, together with details on their spatial densities, sensitivity, and resolution. The wealth of data on the human hand's sensory capacities is not matched by an equivalent database on motor performance. Attempts at quantifying manual dexterity have met with formidable technological difficulties due to the conditions under which many highly trained manual skills are performed. Limitations in technology have affected not only the quantifying of human manual performance but also the development of prosthetic and robotic hands. Most prosthetic hands in use at present are simple grasping devices, and imparting a “natural” sense of touch to these hands remains a challenge. Several dextrous robot hands exist as research tools and even though some of these systems can outperform their human counterparts in the motor domain, they are still very limited as sensory processing systems. It is in this latter area that information from studies of human grasping and processing of object information may make the greatest contribution.

Perception and motor interaction with physical surroundings can be analyzed by the changes in probability laws governing two possible outcomes of neuronal activity, namely the presence or absence of spikes (binary states). Perception and motor interaction with the physical environment are partly accounted for by a reduction in entropy within the probability distributions of binary states of neurons in distributed neural circuits, given the knowledge about the characteristics of stimuli in physical surroundings. This reduction in the total entropy of multiple pairs of circuits in networks, by an amount equal to the increase of mutual information, occurs as sensory information is processed successively from lower to higher cortical areas or between different areas at the same hierarchical level, but belonging to different networks. The increase in mutual information is partly accounted for by temporal coupling as well as synaptic connections as proposed by Bahmer and Gupta (Front. Neurosci. 2018). We propose that robust increases in mutual information, measuring the association between the characteristics of sensory inputs’ and neural circuits’ connectivity patterns, are partly responsible for perception and successful motor interactions with physical surroundings. The increase in mutual information, given the knowledge about environmental sensory stimuli and the type of motor response produced, is responsible for the coupling between action and perception. In addition, the processing of sensory inputs within neural circuits, with no prior knowledge of the occurrence of a sensory stimulus, increases Shannon information. Consequently, the increase in surprise serves to increase the evidence of the sensory model of physical surroundings

BACKGROUND To improve the quality of block (sensory and motor characteristics), postoperative pain management and reduce large doses of local anaesthetics, various adjuvants are used with local anaesthetic agents. We have evaluated dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to 0.5 % ropivacaine in supraclavicular brachial plexus block in terms of onset and duration of sensory and motor block & duration of postoperative analgesia. METHODS This is a prospective randomised comparative study. 60 patients who were admitted for elective surgeries of the lower arm, at the level of elbow, forearm & hand were enrolled. They were divided in to two groups of 30 patients each as follows - group RD: supraclavicular brachial plexus block given with 30 mL of 0.5 % ropivacaine + 1 mL (100 μg) of dexmedetomidine. Group RC: supraclavicular brachial plexus block given with 30 mL of 0.5 % ropivacaine + 1 mL of normal saline. Various parameters like onset times and durations of sensory and motor block, duration of analgesia, total analgesic needed, and side-effects were recorded for each patient. RESULTS The time of onset of sensory and motor block was significantly early in dexmedetomidine group than in control group. The duration of sensory and motor block was significantly prolonged in group RD as compared to group RC. The duration of sensory block was 724.18 + 73.26 min in group RD (GD) and 582.16 + 93.12 min. in group RC (GC). The duration of analgesia was significantly prolonged in group RD. CONCLUSIONS Addition of dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to ropivacaine is associated with early onset of sensory and motor block. The duration of sensory and motor block was prolonged. The duration of analgesia was prolonged and patients required less rescue analgesia. The use of dexmedetomidine was associated with reversible bradycardia and sedation score was less KEYWORDS Ropivacaine, Dexmedetomidine, Adjuvant, Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block

Reinforcement of movement is an important mechanism by which sensory feedback contributes to motor control for walking. We investigate how sensory signals from movement and load sensors interact in controlling the motor output of the stick insect femur–tibia (FT) joint. In stick insects, flexion signals from the femoral chordotonal organ (fCO) at the FT joint and load signals from the femoral campaniform sensilla (fCS) are known to individually reinforce stance-phase motor output of the FT joint by promoting flexor and inhibiting extensor motoneuron activity. We quantitatively compared the time course of inactivation in extensor tibiae motoneurons in response to selective stimulation of fCS and fCO. Stimulation of either sensor generates extensor activity in a qualitatively similar manner but with a significantly different time course and frequency of occurrence. Inactivation of extensor motoneurons arising from fCS stimulation was more reliable but more than threefold slower compared with the extensor inactivation in response to flexion signals from the fCO. In contrast, simultaneous stimulation of both sense organs produced inactivation in motoneurons with a time course typical for fCO stimulation alone, but with a frequency of occurrence characteristic for fCS stimulation. This increase in probability of occurrence was also accompanied by a delayed reactivation of the extensor motoneurons. Our results indicate for the first time that load signals from the leg affect the processing of movement-related feedback in controlling motor output.

Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease is a hereditary neuropathy of motor and sensory impairment with distal predominance. Atrophy and weakness of lower limbs are the first signs of the disease. It can be classified, with the aid of electromyography and nerve conduction studies, as demyelinating (CMT1) or axonal (CMT2). OBJECTIVE: Clinical and neurophysiological investigation of a large multigenerational family with CMT2 with autosomal dominant mode of transmission. METHOD: Fifty individuals were evaluated and neurophysiological studies performed in 22 patients. RESULTS: Thirty individuals had clinical signs of motor-sensory neuropathy. Babinski sign was present in 14 individuals. Neurophysiological study showed motor-sensory axonal polyneuropathy. CONCLUSION: The clinical and neurophysiological characteristics of this family does not differ from those observed with other forms of CMT, except for the high prevalence of Babinski sign.

Background: Spinal anaesthesia avoids the problems associated with general anaesthesia such as airway manipulation, polypharmacy, postoperative respiratory problems, and cognitive dysfunction. It can be given in lateral and sitting positions. The aim of the present study was to compare the effect of induction position for spinal anaesthesia in elective caesarean section on hemodynamic, sensory and motor block characteristics and patient satisfaction.Methods: 120 ASA physical status I and II patients undergoing elective caesarean section were randomized to receive spinal anaesthesia in the lateral position or the sitting position. Hyperbaric bupivacaine (0.5%) was injected into the spinal space while the patients were either in sitting or lateral position at L3-L4 level. Effects on hemodynamic parameters, sensory block and motor block characteristics and patient satisfaction were analysed.Results: Demographic characteristics did not seem to have any impact on the overall outcome of the study. Induction position for spinal anaesthesia does not affect the hemodynamic parameters and incidence of side effects when adequate preloading is done. There was no statistically significant difference in the sensory level and motor level achieved. However lateral position appears to be more comfortable than sitting position (P <0.001).Conclusions: Inducing position for spinal anaesthesia did not affect haemodynamic stability and block characteristics in both the groups except that patients feel more comfortable in lateral position.

75 healthy people and 163 patients with epilepsy were observed. Using cluster analysis on the basis of characteristics of modeling activity we divided group of patients with epilepsy in 2 subgroups: resultative and low resultative. In low resultative subgroup of patients, the prevalence of symptomatic (structural-metabolic) forms of epilepsy, higher level of generalized seizures after correction of therapy, cognitive disorders and social desadaptation were determined. We studied the characteristics of motor systems (contingent negative variation, F-wave, simple and complex sensory-motor reactions) and vegetative maintenance of activity (parameters of heart rate variability, respiratory function). The insufficiency of activation of motor cortex, decrease of speed of simple and complex sensory-motor reactions, higher level of sympathetic influences in vegetative regulation and activity of respiratory effectors after modeling activity were established. Using artificial neural network technology, we classified the patients in subgroups with different resultness of acitivity. The most important in decision of this task were the characteristics of vegetative maintenance of activity. The excessive activation of stress realizing mechanisms in association with low resultness of activity increase the physiological cost of activity and decrease it’s efficiency.

An examination of the relationship between the neurophysiological and motor characteristics of children with Down's syndrome and the assumptions of sensory integrative vestibular stimulation is discussed. From this analysis, apparent inconsistencies are emphasised. If occupational therapy is to develop further as a profession, treatment practices must be well understood in terms of their theoretical base and empirical evidence of effectiveness. An understanding of theoretical differences between different models of practice (for example, sensory integration vs sensory stimulation) is of vital importance. This article hopes to contribute to the development of an understanding of treatment of children with Down's syndrome.

Background: The extended analgesic efficacy of intrathecal dexmedetomidine (ITD) has been investigated in a few clinical trials; however, there is a lack of conclusive evidence upon its ideal dosage. Objectives: To elucidate the dose-response relationship between ITD and subarachnoid block characteristics, particularly the duration of analgesia and differential analgesia (DA: defined as time difference from the offset of motor blockade to the first analgesic requirement on numerical rating scale ≥ 4.0). Study Design: Prospective, randomized double blind active control trial. Setting: Medical college teaching hospital. Methods: Ninety adult (18 – 60 years) patients undergoing elective lower abdominal and lower limb surgeries were randomized into 3 groups to receive intrathecal 0.5% bupivacaine 3 mL with 2.5 µg (group BD2.5), 5µg (group BD5), or 10 µg (group BD10) dexmedetomidine in 0.5 mL normal saline. The 2 segment sensory regression times (TSSRT), duration of motor blockade analgesia, DA, and perioperative adverse effects were assessed. The primary outcome was duration of analgesia and DA. Statistics: ANOVA, Kruskal Wallis test, Chi-square (χ2), and Fisher’s exact test, significance: P < 0.05. Results: The onset of sensory block was significantly earlier in group BD10 compared with group BD5 (P = 0.035) and BD2.5 (P = 0.010) while the onset of motor block was significantly earlier in group BD10 compared with BD2.5 (P = 0.020). There was a significant and dose-dependent prolongation of the duration of sensory block (127.50, 149.17, and 187.50 minutes; P < 0.001), motor block (258.50, 331, and 365 minutes; P < 0.001), analgesia (306.17, 396.50, and 512 minutes; P < 0.001), and DA (47.67, 65.50, and147 minutes; P < 0.001) with escalating doses of ITD, respectively. Group BD10 required significantly fewer rescue analgesics compared with other 2 groups (P = 0.001). Except for mild sedation which was significantly higher in group BD10; all the groups were comparable with respect to hemodynamic and other adverse effects. Limitations: Lack of placebo group, exclusion of higher doses (15µg) of ITD, and short duration of postoperative follow-up. Conclusions: The addition of 10 µg compared with 2.5 µg or 5µg ITD to 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine is associated with significantly earlier onset of sensory and motor block as well as prolonged duration of sensory block, motor block, analgesia, and DA with a comparable adverse effect profile. Key words: Analgesia, bupivacaine, dexmedetomidine, differential analgesia, intrathecal, pain, spinal anaesthesia

Mentally rotating the image of an object is one fundamental cognitive ability in humans. Recent theoretical developments and empirical evidences highlight the potential role of the sensory-motor system, when analysing and understanding mental rotation. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the role of specific sensory-motor experience on mental rotation performance in gymnasts. N = 40 male gymnasts with either clockwise or anticlockwise rotation preference in a forward twisting layout salto performed a psychometric mental rotation test with either rotation-preference congruent or rotation-preference incongruent stimuli. Results revealed that choice reaction times differed clearly as a function of Angular Rotation between the stimuli figures. Gymnasts who preferred a clockwise rotation preference showed faster choice reaction times when the rotation direction of the reference figure was clockwise, and vice versa. The results clearly support the notion, that mental rotation performance varies as a function of sensory-motor system characteristics between different people. It is concluded, that sensory-motor experience in a particular sport may facilitate cognitive processing of experience-congruent stimuli. This may be advantageous for situations in which people are engaged in observing sport performance (i.e., judges, coaches). This conclusion could furthermore contribute to the training of athletes from sports such as sky-diving, scuba-diving, and climbing, where losses of spatial orientation can be life-threatening. Key words: functional equivalence hypothesis, gymnastics, rotation preference, sensory-motor experience.

Electrocortical arousal (ECA) as an effect of visceral provocation or of its temporal relationships with aerodigestive reflexes in premature neonates is not known. We tested the hypothesis that esophageal provocation results in both esophageal reflex responses and ECAs during sleep and that ECAs are dependent on the frequency characteristics of esophageal neuromotor responses. We defined the spatiotemporal relationship of ECAs in relation to 1) spontaneous pharyngoesophageal swallow sequences and gastroesophageal reflux (GER) events and 2) sensory-motor characteristics of esophageal reflexes. Sixteen healthy premature neonates born at 27.9 ± 3.4 wk were tested at 36.8 ± 1.9 wk postmenstrual age. Ninety-five midesophageal and 31 sham stimuli were given in sleep during concurrent manometry and videopolysomnography. With stimulus onset as reference point, we scored the response latency, frequency occurrence and duration of arousals, peristaltic reflex, and upper esophageal sphincter contractile reflex (UESCR). Changes in polysomnography-respiratory patterns and esophageal sensory-motor parameters were scored by blinded observers. Significantly (for each characteristic listed, P < 0.05), swallow sequences were associated with arousals and sleep state changes, and arousals were associated with incomplete peristalsis, response delays to lower esophageal sphincter relaxation, and prolonged esophageal clearance. GER events (73.5%) provoked arousals, and arousals were associated with response delays to peristaltic reflexes or clearance, sleep state modification, and prolonged respiratory arousal. Midesophageal stimuli (54%) provoked arousals and were associated with increased frequency, prolonged latency, prolonged response duration of peristaltic reflexes and UESCR, and increased frequency of sleep state changes and respiratory arousals. In human neonates, ECAs are provoked upon esophageal stimulation; the sensory-motor characteristics of esophageal reflexes are distinct when accompanied by arousals. Aerodigestive homeostasis is defended by multiple tiers of aerodigestive safety mechanisms, and when esophageal reflexes are delayed, cortical hypervigilance (ECAs) occurs.

Objective: C9ORF72 is the most common genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The aim of the present study was to determine whether C9ORF72-associated ALS (C9-ALS) patients present distinctive electrophysiological characteristics that could differentiate them from non C9ORF72-associated ALS (nonC9-ALS) patients. Methods: Clinical and electrodiagnostic data from C9-ALS patients and nonC9-ALS patients were collected retrospectively. For electroneuromyography, the mean values of motor conduction, myography, and the mean values of sensory conduction were considered. Furthermore, the proportion of ALS patients with electrophysiological sensory neuropathy was determined. Results: No significant difference was observed between 31 C9-ALS patients and 22 nonC9-ALS patients for mean motor conduction and myography. For sensory conduction analyses, mean sensory conduction was not significantly different between both groups. In total, 38% of ­C9-ALS patient and 21% of nonC9-ALS patients presented electrophysiological sensory neuropathy (p = 0.33). In ­C9-ALS patients with electrophysiological sensory neuropathy, 80% (8/10) were male and 67% (6/9) presented spinal onset compare to 25% (4/16, p = 0.014) male and 25% (4/16, p = 0.087) with spinal onset in those without electrophysiological sensory neuropathy. Conclusion: Although not different from nonC9-ALS, these results suggest that sensory involvement is a frequent feature of C9-ALS patients, expanding the phenotype of the disease beyond the motor and cognitive domains.

Introduction: Dexmedetomidine has been frequently used in regional anaesthesia to improve the quality of blocks. Addition of dexmedetomidine to local anaesthetics has been shown to hasten the onset of both sensory and motor blocks and also prolong the duration of analgesia. The objective of this prospective comparative study was to assess the change in characteristics of infraclavicular brachial plexus block after adding Inj. Dexmedetomidine to 2% Lignocaine with Adrenaline. Methods: Sixty-six patients, scheduled for upper limb surgeries under ultrasound guided infraclavicular brachial plexus block were randomly allocated to two groups. Group LS received Inj. Lignocaine 2% with Adrenaline, 7mg/kg diluted to 30 ml with saline and Group LD received Inj. Dexmedetomidine 0.75 mcg/kg in addition to Inj. Lignocaine 2% with Adrenaline, 7mg/kg again diluted to a total volume of 30 ml. The parameters studied were: onset of sensory and motor blocks and duration of analgesia. Results: Sixty patients completed the study. The demographic variables and motor block were similar between both groups. The mean time to onset of sensory block was significantly faster in Group LD compared to Group LS (9.80±4.85 min vs 12.30±3.97 min, p=0.033). The duration of analgesia was also found to be prolonged in Group LD compared to Group LS (286.73±55.38 min vs 226.53±41.19 min, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Addition of 0.75 mcg/kg of Dexmedetomidine to 2% Lignocaine with Adrenaline hastens the onset of sensory block and prolongs the duration of analgesia in ultrasound guided and peripheral nerve stimulator guided infraclavicular block.

Sensorimotor integration in the avian song system is crucial for both learning and maintenance of song, a vocal motor behavior. Although a number of song system areas demonstrate both sensory and motor characteristics, their exact roles in auditory and premotor processing are unclear. In particular, it is unknown whether input from the forebrain nucleus interface of the nidopallium (NIf), which exhibits both sensory and premotor activity, is necessary for both auditory and premotor processing in its target, HVC. Here we show that bilateral NIf lesions result in long-term loss of HVC auditory activity but do not impair song production. NIf is thus a major source of auditory input to HVC, but an intact NIf is not necessary for motor output in adult zebra finches.

Background: The aim of our study was to compare sensory and motor block characteristics and hemodynamic changes following intrathecal hyperbaric bupivacaine (0.5%) and isobaric levobupivacaine (0.5%) in elective lower limb and lower abdominal surgeries.Methods: 60 patients of either sex, aged 18-60 years, ASA grade I or II scheduled for elective lower abdominal and lower limb surgeries were randomized into two groups, group B (n=30) and group L (n=30) and received either 3 ml of intrathecal hyperbaric bupivacaine or isobaric levobupivacaine intrathecally.Results: The mean time of onset of sensory block at shin of tibia in both the groups was comparable i.e. levobupivacaine (1.19±0.2 minutes) and bupivacaine (1.1+0.2 minutes). The mean time for total duration of sensory block was 211.1±8.2 minutes in group L, while 193.13±13.7 minutes in group B. Time for total duration of motor block in group L was 198.76±8.428 minutes and in group B was 182.6±13.989 minutes. Statistically significant difference was observed in total duration of sensory and motor block in both levobupivaciane and bupivacaine group (p<0.0001). Patients in group L were hemodynamically more stable with significantly less decrease in pulse rate, systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure as compared to group B.Conclusions: We observed that 0.5% isobaric levobupivacaine provided better hemodynamic stability, longer duration of sensory and motor block as compared to bupivacaine.

This study evaluated the effects of adding adjuvant clonidine to lidocaine with epinephrine on the characteristics of ultrasound-guided axillary brachial plexus block (ABPB) for upper extremity surgery. Twenty-four patients were randomised to receive an ultrasound guided ABPB with 20 mL of lidocaine 2% with 1:200,000 epinephrine plus 2 mL of either normal saline 0.9% (Group 1) or a mixture of clonidine 1 µg/kg and normal saline 0.9% (Group 2). The outcome measures that were recorded were the overall onset time and the duration of sensory and motor block. The median (IQR) overall onset time of sensory and motor block was significantly shorter in Group 2 vs. Group 1 (5 (5–7.5) min vs. 10 (8.8–12.5) min; p < 0.001) and (5 (2.5–7.5) min vs. 7.5 (6.3–7.5) min; p = 0.001), respectively. The median (IQR) overall duration of sensory and motor block was significantly longer in Group 2 vs. Group 1 (225 (200–231) min vs. 168 (148–190) min; p < 0.001) and (225 (208–231) min vs. 168(148–186) min; p < 0.001), respectively. In ultrasound-guided ABPB, the addition of clonidine to lidocaine with epinephrine resulted in shorter onset time and prolonged duration of sensory and motor block.

BLDC motors are characterized by electronic commutation, which is performed by using an electric three-phase inverter. The direct control system of the BLDC motor consists of double loops; including the inner-loop for current regulating and outer-loop for speed control. The operation of the current controller requires feedback of motor currents; the conventional current controller uses two current sensors on the ac side of the inverter to measure the currents of two phases, while the third current would be accordingly calculated. These two sensors should have the same characteristics, to achieve balanced current measurements. It should be noted that the sensitivity of these sensors changes with time. In the case of one sensor fails, both of them must be replaced. To overcome this problem, it is preferable to use one sensor instead of two. The proposed control system is based on a deadbeat predictive controller, which is used to regulate the DC current of the BLDC motor. Such a controller can be considered as digital controller mode, which has fast response, high precision and can be easily implemented with microprocessor. The proposed control system has been simulated using Matlab software, and the system is tested at a different operating condition such as low speed and high speed.

OBJECTIVEThe differences in symptoms of spinal meningiomas have rarely been discussed from the perspective of tumor characteristics. The main purpose of this paper was to define the differences, if any, in symptoms in patients with spinal meningiomas with respect to tumor size, location, and degree of spinal cord compression. The authors also sought the threshold of spinal cord compression that causes motor weakness.METHODSThe authors conducted a retrospective study of 53 cases of spinal meningiomas that were surgically treated from 2013 to 2018. Symptoms related to the tumor were classified as motor weakness, sensory disturbance, pain, and bowel/bladder dysfunction. Based on MR images, tumor location was classified by spinal level and by its attachment to the dura mater. Tumor dimensions were also measured. Occupation ratios of the tumors to the spinal canal and degree of spinal cord flattening were sought from the axial MR images that showed the highest degree of spinal cord compression.RESULTSMotor weakness and sensory disturbance were significantly more common in thoracic spine meningiomas than in cervical spine meningiomas (p < 0.001 and p = 0.013, respectively), while pain was more common in meningiomas at the craniovertebral junction (p < 0.001). The attachment, height, width, depth, and volume of the tumor showed no significant difference irrespective of the presence or absence of each symptom. In cases of motor weakness and sensory disturbance, occupation ratios and spinal cord flattening ratios were significantly larger. However, these ratios were significantly smaller in the presence of pain. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that occupation ratio independently contributed to motor weakness (OR 1.14, p = 0.035) and pain (OR 0.925, p = 0.034). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis suggested that occupation ratio with a value of 63.678% is the threshold for the tumor to cause motor weakness.CONCLUSIONSThe study showed the difference in clinical presentation of spinal meningiomas by spinal level, occupation ratio, and spinal cord flattening ratio. An occupation ratio of approximately 64% could be utilized as the threshold value of tumor growth to cause motor weakness. Tumor growth in the cervical spine might cause pain symptoms before causing motor weakness. The relationship between the tumor and its symptomatology should be discussed with respect to tumor size relative to the surrounding spinal canal.

Background Upper limb trauma occurs frequently in elderly patients for whom peripheral nerve blocks are often preferred for anesthesia. The characteristics of such regional blocks have, however, never been described in an elderly population. Therefore, the authors assessed prospectively the onset and duration of upper extremity peripheral nerve block (the mid-humeral block) in elderly and young patients undergoing emergency upper extremity surgery. Methods Consecutive patients aged &gt; 70 yr or &lt; 70 yr received a mid-humeral block with a small volume of ropivacaine, 0.75%. Five milliliters was injected onto each of the musculocutaneous, radial, ulnar, and median nerves. Time to complete sensory and motor block and durations of complete sensory and motor block were assessed. Results are shown as median and its 95% confidence interval. Results Median ages were 77 yr (95% CI, 72-81 yr) and 39 yr (95% CI, 27-46 yr) in the two groups. Both groups had similar times to complete sensory blockade. The elderly group had longer durations of complete sensory (390 min [range, 280-435 min] vs.150 min [range, 105-160 min]; P&lt; 0.05) and motor (357 min [range, 270-475 min] vs. 150 min [range, 90-210 min]; P&lt; 0.05) blockade. Duration of complete sensory block was significantly correlated with age (rho = 0.56; P&lt; 0.05). Conclusions Age is a major determinant of duration of complete motor and sensory blockade with peripheral nerve block, perhaps reflecting increased sensitivity to conduction failure from local anesthetic agents in peripheral nerves in the elderly population.

Abstract Thanks to their advantageous properties such as higher durability, reliability and wide scope of speed achievable with a given load, brushless DC motors are often used in Line-of-Sight stabilization systems of the optoelectronic aircraft gimbals. Since there are many sub-types and configurations of such motors, choosing the optimal structure is not a trivial issue. This paper presents the selection process of a motor with properties that would make it ideal for use in an optoelectronic gimbal drive.

Ischemic stroke is an important medical and social problem, due to the high incidence of morbidity, disability and mortality. The presence of motor, sensory disorders, cognitive and language disorders as clinical manifestations of ischemic stroke is correlated with high frequency disability.The article highlights the results of clinical and neurological examination of 60 patients with primary and recurrent ischemic stroke. The statistical processing of the material demonstrate the severity of neurological disorders, complaints, anxiety and cognitive disorders in patients with recurrent ischemic stroke, compared to the original.

Objectives To compare the neural pathways associated with the tissues located at different traditional acupuncture points in the rat forehead and face using the cholera toxin B subunit (CTB) neural tracing technique. Methods After injection of CTB into the tissues at GB14, ST2 and ST6 in the rat, the neural labelling associated with each acupuncture point was revealed by fluorescent immunohistochemistry of the nervous system, including the trigeminal ganglion (TRG), cervical dorsal root ganglia (DRG), spinal cord and brain. Results The CTB labelling included sensory neurons and their transganglionic axonal terminals, as well as motor neurons. The labelled sensory neurons associated with GB14, ST2 and ST6 were distributed in both the TRG and cervical DRG, and their centrally projected axons terminated in an orderly fashion at their corresponding targets in the spinal trigeminal nucleus and cervical spinal dorsal horn. In addition, labelled motor neurons were observed in the facial motor nucleus, trigeminal motor nucleus and cervical spinal ventral horn, in which facial motor neurons projected to the tissues located at all three acupuncture points. Trigeminal motor neurons innervated both ST2 and ST6, while spinal motor neurons only correlated with ST6. Conclusions These results indicate that the tissues located at each of these three traditional acupuncture points in the rat forehead and face has its own sensory and motor connection with the nervous system in a region-specific pattern through distinct neural pathways. Understanding the neuroanatomical characteristics of acupuncture points from the peripheral nervous system to the central nervous system should help inform acupuncture point selection according to the demands of the clinical situation.

The mouse has become an influential model system for investigating the mammalian nervous system. Technologies in mice enable recording and manipulation of neural circuits during tasks where they respond to sensory stimuli by licking for liquid rewards. Precise monitoring of licking during these tasks provides an accessible metric of sensory-motor processing, particularly when combined with simultaneous neural recordings. There are several challenges in designing and implementing lick detectors during head-fixed neurophysiological experiments in mice. First, mice are small, and licking behaviors are easily perturbed or biased by large sensors. Second, neural recordings during licking are highly sensitive to electrical contact artifacts. Third, submillisecond lick detection latencies are required to generate control signals that manipulate neural activity at appropriate time scales. Here we designed, characterized, and implemented a contactless dual-port device that precisely measures directional licking in head-fixed mice performing visual behavior. We first determined the optimal characteristics of our detector through design iteration and then quantified device performance under ideal conditions. We then tested performance during head-fixed mouse behavior with simultaneous neural recordings in vivo. We finally demonstrate our device’s ability to detect directional licks and generate appropriate control signals in real time to rapidly suppress licking behavior via closed-loop inhibition of neural activity. Our dual-port detector is cost effective and easily replicable, and it should enable a wide variety of applications probing the neural circuit basis of sensory perception, motor action, and learning in normal and transgenic mouse models. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Mice readily learn tasks in which they respond to sensory cues by licking for liquid rewards; tasks that involve multiple licking responses allow study of neural circuits underlying decision making and sensory-motor integration. Here we design, characterize, and implement a novel dual-port lick detector that precisely measures directional licking in head-fixed mice performing visual behavior, enabling simultaneous neural recording and closed-loop manipulation of licking.