Evaluation of Cervical Vertebral Motion and Foraminal Changes During the Spurling Test Using Zero Echo Time Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Computed Tomography-Based Micromotion Analysis.

Study Design: Clinical experimental diagnostic study.

Objective: The objective of the study was to investigate cervical spine dynamics including changes in the cervical foramina in patients experiencing intermittent arm radiculopathy.

Background: Cervical foraminal stenosis is a frequent cause of radicular arm pain.

Cervical Foraminal Changes in Patients with Intermittent Arm Radiculopathy Studied with a New MRI-Compatible Compression Device.

Diagnosing cervical foraminal stenosis with intermittent arm radiculopathy is challenging due to discrepancies between MRI findings and symptoms. This can be attributed to the fact that MRI images are often obtained in a relaxed supine position. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of the Dynamic MRI Compression System (DMRICS) and to assess possible changes in cervical foramina, with both quantitative measurements and qualitative grading systems, with MRI during a simulated Spurling test.

Axial Loading during MRI Induces Lumbar Foraminal Area Changes and Has the Potential to Improve Diagnostics of Nerve Root Compromise.

Lumbar foraminal stenosis is a common cause of lumbar radiculopathy and conventionally assessed with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in supine-positioned patients. An MRI acquired during spine loading may unmask pathology not otherwise revealed in a relaxed position. Therefore, we investigated how spine loading during MRI affects lumbar foramina.

A systematic review of validated classification systems for cervical and lumbar spinal foraminal stenosis based on magnetic resonance imaging.

Purpose: Foraminal stenosis is commonly investigated with radiological methods in patients with radiating pain in extremities. However, there is a lack of consensus regarding the methodology to assess compression of the nerve roots. This systematic review was performed to identify validated classification systems for foraminal stenosis in the lumbar and cervical spine based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

An interdisciplinary response to contemporary concerns about brain death determination.

In response to a number of recent lawsuits related to brain death determination, the American Academy of Neurology Ethics, Law, and Humanities Committee convened a multisociety quality improvement summit in October 2016 to address, and potentially correct, aspects of brain death determination within the purview of medical practice that may have contributed to these lawsuits. This article, which has been endorsed by multiple societies that are stakeholders in brain death determination, summarizes the discussion at this summit, wherein we (1) reaffirmed the validity of determination of death by neurologic criteria and the use of the American Academy of Neurology practice guideline to determine brain death in adults; (2) discussed the development of systems to ensure that brain death determination is consistent and accurate; (3) reviewed strategies to respond to objections to determination of death by neurologic criteria; and (4) outlined goals to improve public trust in brain death determination.

Relative Prevalence of Grapevine Leafroll-Associated Virus Species in Wine Grape-Growing Regions of California.

Some diseases manifest as one characteristic set of symptoms to the host, but can be caused by multiple pathogens. Control treatments based on plant symptoms can make it difficult to effectively manage such diseases, as the biology of the underlying pathogens can vary. Grapevine leafroll disease affects grapes worldwide, and is associated with several viral species in the family Closteroviridae.

Professionalism in court: The neurologist as expert witness.

Serving as an expert witness can be a rewarding experience. It affords the neurologist the opportunity to contribute expertise to the legal system's pursuit of justice and benefits the public interest. However, serving as an expert witness without understanding and incorporating relevant professional and specialty guidelines concerning expert witness testimony can place the neurologist at risk.

Upholding professionalism: the disciplinary process of the American Academy of Neurology.

Objective: To review the disciplinary process by which the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) enforces its formalized standards of professional conduct.

Methods: We reviewed the AAN's Disciplinary Action Policy. We tracked the elapsed time from receipt to final decision of all allegations ("complaints") of improper conduct by AAN members submitted from 2004 to 2009.

Assessment of photosensitizer dosimetry and tissue damage assay for photodynamic therapy in advanced-stage tumors.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) efficacy is a complex function of tissue sensitivity, photosensitizer (PS) uptake, tissue oxygen concentration, delivered light dose and some other parameters. To better understand the mechanisms and optimization of PDT treatment, we assessed two techniques for quantifying tissue PS concentration and two methods for quantifying pathological tumor damage. The two methods used to determine tissue PS concentration kinetic were in vivo fluorescence probe and ex vivo chemical extraction.

Blood flow dynamics after photodynamic therapy with verteporfin in the RIF-1 tumor.

In the present study, the effects of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with verteporfin on tumor blood flow and tumor regrowth were compared as verteporfin distributed in different compartments within the RIF-1 tumor. Tissue distribution of verteporfin was examined by fluorescence microscopy, and blood flow measurements were taken with a laser Doppler system. It was found that, at 15 min after drug administration, when verteporfin was mainly confined within the vasculature, PDT induced a complete arrest of blood flow by 6 h after treatment.