Coordinate based meta-analysis of functional neuroimaging data using activation likelihood estimation; full width half max and group comparisons.

Coordinate based meta-analysis (CBMA) is used to find regions of consistent activation across fMRI and PET studies selected for their functional relevance to a hypothesis. Results are clusters of foci where multiple studies report in the same spatial region, indicating functional relevance. Contrast meta-analysis finds regions where there are consistent differences in activation pattern between two groups.

Advances in the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.

This article reviews and discusses the approved and emerging therapies for multiple sclerosis (MS). MS is a chronic and disabling immune-mediated disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that affects mainly young adults. MS imposes a huge economic burden on healthcare systems and the society.

Recurrent melanocytic nevi and melanomas in dermoscopy: results of a multicenter study of the International Dermoscopy Society.

IMPORTANCE Differentiating recurrent nevi from recurrent melanoma is challenging. OBJECTIVE To determine dermoscopic features to differentiate recurrent nevi from melanomas. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Retrospective observational study of 15 pigmented lesion clinics from 12 countries; 98 recurrent nevi (61.

Role of oral teriflunomide in the management of multiple sclerosis.

The landscape of the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis is changing fast. Several oral treatments have shown benefit and generate much interest because of the convenience of their administration. Two oral compounds, fingolimod and teriflunomide, have been approved in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, while others have completed Phase III trials and are awaiting review for registration.

First Pillcam Colon 2 capsule images of Whipple's disease: Case report and review of the literature.

Whipple's disease is a rare chronic systemic infection determined by the Gram-positive bacillus Tropheryma whipplei. The infection usually mainly involves the small bowel, but sometimes other organs are affected as well. Since the current standard clinical and biological tests are nonspecific, diagnosis is very difficult and relies on histopathology.

Endoscopy: possibilities and limitations in the management of GIST of the upper GI tract.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) have been a topic of increasing interest since the discovery of their cellular activation pathway via the receptor for tyrosine kinase (KIT) leading to the possibility of targeted molecular therapy in the form of imatinib mesylate. Endoscopic diagnostic and therapeutic possibilities have also been developing at a rapid pace in recent years. Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) allows for an accurate assessment of submucosal tumors and can provide tissue samples for diagnostic purposes using fine needle aspiration techniques.

The endocannabinoid system: a revolving plate in neuro-immune interaction in health and disease.

Studies of the last 40 years have brought to light an important physiological network, the endocannabinoid system. Endogenous and exogenous cannabinoids mediate their effects through activation of specific cannabinoid receptors. This modulatory homoeostatic system operates in the regulation of brain function and also in the periphery.

Functional dyspepsia: a pragmatic approach.

Functional dyspepsia includes one or more of four cardinal symptoms: postprandial fullness, early satiety, pain or burning in the epigastrum. According to the Rome III diagnostic criteria for functional dyspepsia, these symptoms must be present for the last 3 months with symptom onset at least 6 months prior to diagnosis. Functional dyspepsia is not the result of an underlying structural abnormality, but rather the consequence of multiple pathophysiological mechanisms such as abnormal gastric motility, gastric and duodenal hypersensitivity to acid, Helicobacter pylori infection.

Treatment of extrahepatic manifestations of chronic hepatitis C viral infection--a challenge.

Often, chronic hepatitis C infection is clinically manifested as extra hepatic disease. Therapy of the extra hepatic manifestations (EHM) is always difficult and based on the optimal and individual association of antiviral treatment, immunosuppressant and plasma cleaning techniques. We observed for 4 years 246 patients admitted to "Colentina" Internal Medicine Clinic, of whom 168 were diagnosed as chronic C hepatitis.

Reactions of the immune system in epilepsy.

Epilepsy may present as a symptom of many neurological disorders and often an etiological explanation cannot be identified. There is growing evidence that autoimmune mechanisms might have a role in some patients. The evidence for immunological mechanisms in epilepsy can be examined within the following three main areas: the childhood epilepsy syndromes, epilepsy associated with other immunologically mediated diseases, and the more common unselected groups of patients with epilepsy.

Cannabinoids and the immune system: an overview.

Cannabinoids can influence the immune network. Data on the impact of exogenous cannabinoid ligands on immune function serve not only to understand how the endocannabinoid system modulates immune phenomena associated with infection or inflammation, but also to identify therapeutic targets for immune diseases. Cannabinoids can modulate immune reactions in the periphery but also in the brain, influence T cell subset balance and cytokine expression and play a role in the balance between neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration.

Involuntary weight loss: case series, etiology and diagnostic.

Involuntary weight loss is an important clinical condition that has not been extensively covered in the medical literature. Searching MEDLINE, we identified twelve case series in different regions of the world, mostly in developed countries. Three series included ambulatory patients, while nine studied patients from secondary care hospitals.

An immunological approach to cerebral ischemia (I). Immune cells and adhesion molecules.

Ischemic stoke is a major cause of death and an important source of disability in industrialized countries. Since there is no ideal treatment for cerebral ischemia, any approach aiming to limit the devastating consequences of the ischemic process is justified. Concerning immune responses, it has become clear in the latest years that actors of the immune system are involved in multiple and various neurobiological processes such as cerebral ischemia, neurodegeneration, neuroprotection and neuroregeneration.

Epidemiological surveillance of syphilis patients in Colentina Hospital (Bucharest, Romania).

Syphilis remains a global health problem with an estimated 12 million people infected each year. In Romania a decrease in the syphilis prevalence can be observed. From 2002 (12,702 cases) and 2003 (9,698 cases) until 2006 (5,657 syphilis cases) the reduction can be explained through the intensified efforts of the Ministry of Pubic Health to fight STI.

Detection of neopterin as parameter of potential monocyte activation in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

The mechanisms by which inflammation may induce endothelial dysfunction are not fully understood. It was analyzed if neopterin (a by-product of activated macrophage metabolism) is elevated in patients with systemic inflammatory insult at the time of ischemic stroke. There were investigated 86 consecutive patients with mean age 67 +/- 7.

Antiphospholipid antibodies and migraine: a retrospective study of 428 patients with inflammatory connective tissue diseases.

The antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is defined by the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL), associated with thrombosis or recurrent spontaneous abortions. APS can occur alone or secondary to other conditions, especially associated to inflammatory systemic autoimmune diseases. Among the neurological manifestations associated with aPL, only ischemic stroke is recognized by the actual classification criteria for APS.

The analgesic effect of gemcitabine in mice.

The analgesic effect of gemcitabine was analyzed in two experimental tests in mice. In the first test gemcitabine produced a dose-dependent decrease of the number of torsions produced by i.p.

Relapses in patients with idiopathic vasculitis: diagnostic difficulties.

Idiopathic vasculitis are complex inflammatory diseases that affect small, medium and large sized vessels. The disease recurrence, or relapse, which frequently characterizes the vasculitis course, raises the morbidity and mortality in vasculitic patients. Relapse diagnosis is currently a difficult clinical problem, since the original vasculitis presentation may change during relapse, in some cases even to a more aggressive form.

Bronchial asthma with psychogenic trigger.

The authors present several personal studies in accordance with other published data which contest the existence of purely psychogenic bronchial asthma, as it was considered 30-50 years ago. Although psychological stimuli could trigger the occurrence of attacks of bronchial asthma, they are not an exclusive etiological factor (Iamandescu, 1980, 1985). In the context of large groups of asthma with allergic or other etiology, forms of asthma that are triggered by an additional psychogenic factor could be identified.

Heart failure and dilated cardiomyopathy associated with severe longstanding untreated hypothyroidism.

Thyroid hormones have many effects on the heart and vascular system. Although cardiac output is reduced in hypothyroidism, heart failure is relatively rare because there is a lower demand for peripheral oxygen delivery. Hypothyroidism may also result in accelerated atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease.

Ischemic stroke accompanied by anti-PR3 antibody-related cerebral vasculitis and hepatitis C virus infection.

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has been found to be strikingly associated with autoimmune phenomena. Autoantibodies are commonly found in patients with HCV infection.

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to investigate the presence of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) in patients with ischemic stroke and HCV infection.