A magnet attached to the forehead disrupts magnetic compass orientation in a migratory songbird.

For studies on magnetic compass orientation and navigation performance in small bird species, controlled experiments with orientation cages inside an electromagnetic coil system are the most prominent methodological paradigm. These are, however, not applicable when studying larger bird species and/or orientation behaviour during free flight. For this, researchers have followed a very different approach, attaching small magnets to birds, with the intention of depriving them of access to meaningful magnetic information.

Amplitude-integrated EEG use in neonatal abstinence syndrome: a pilot study.

Though central nervous system irritability is a well-established consequence of neonatal drug withdrawal, brain function in infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) is not well understood. Amplitude-integrated electroencephalography (aEEG) is a bedside tool used for monitoring brain activity and seizures. We describe the prevalence of abnormal aEEG background patterns in infants with NAS.

Cognition and brain development in children with benign epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes.

Objective: Benign epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (BECTS), the most common focal childhood epilepsy, is associated with subtle abnormalities in cognition and possible developmental alterations in brain structure when compared to healthy participants, as indicated by previous cross-sectional studies. To examine the natural history of BECTS, we investigated cognition, cortical thickness, and subcortical volumes in children with new/recent onset BECTS and healthy controls (HC).

Methods: Participants were 8-15 years of age, including 24 children with new-onset BECTS and 41 age- and gender-matched HC.

Attitudes towards Alzheimer's disease as a risk factor for caregiver burden.

Background: There is abundant literature on the determinants of caregiver burden in Alzheimer's disease (AD), but little is known about the possible implication of specific patterns of a caregiver's attitudes towards the disease that could increase their risk of--or protect them from--emotional distress and burden. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that negative attitudes towards AD are associated with an increased level of burden experienced by caregivers of AD patients.

Methods: Family caregivers of 51 patients with AD were asked to complete a questionnaire regarding their attitudes towards AD.

Status epilepticus treatment and outcome in children: what might the future hold?

Status epilepticus is a life-threatening emergency that requires urgent treatment. Over the past decade, numerous advances have been made in the management of status epilepticus. Clinical studies have now established the benefit of early, aggressive treatment of status epilepticus with benzodiazepines in both prehospital and hospital settings.