关键词： COVID-19   GFAp   NfL   SARS-CoV-2   total tau  

摘要： Background and purpose: Neurological symptoms have been frequently reported in hospitalized patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and biomarkers of central nervous system (CNS) injury are reported to be increased in plasma but not extensively studied in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This study examined CSF for biomarkers of CNS injury and other pathology in relation to neurological symptoms and disease severity in patients with neurological manifestations of COVID-19. Methods: Nineteen patients with neurological symptoms and mild to critical COVID-19 were prospectively included. Extensive analysis of CSF, including measurement of biomarkers of CNS injury (neurofilament light chain [NfL] protein, glial fibrillary acidic protein [GFAp], and total tau), was performed and compared to neurological features and disease severity. Results: Neurological symptoms included altered mental status (42%), headache (42%), and central (21%) and peripheral weakness (32%). Two patients demonstrated minor pleocytosis, and four patients had increased immunoglobulin G levels in CSF. Neuronal autoantibody testing using commercial tests was negative in all patients. Increased CSF levels of NfL protein, total tau, and GFAp were seen in 63%, 37%, and 16% of patients, respectively. Increased NfL protein correlated with disease severity, time in intensive care, and level of consciousness. NfL protein in CSF was higher in patients with central neurological symptoms. Conclusions: Although limited by the small sample size, our data suggest that levels of NfL protein, GFAp, and total tau in CSF are commonly elevated in patients with COVID-19 with neurological symptoms. This is in contrast to the standard CSF workup where pathological findings are scarce. NfL protein, in particular, is associated with central neurological symptoms and disease severity.

关键词： Neural tube defects   Spinal cord   Biomedicine   general   Neurosciences   Anatomy   Human Physiology   Neurochemistry   Neuropsychology  

摘要： Study design Retrospective chart audit. Objectives Firstly determining the prevalence of scoliosis in myelomeningocele (MMC) patients of the University Hospitals Leuven. Secondly analyzing whether there are differences concerning distribution of radiological level, ambulatory status, hydrocephalus, tethered cord, and syringomyelia in MMC patients with/without scoliosis. Setting University Hospitals Leuven, spina bifida convention. Methods The following data were collected: age, gender, radiograph type, age at the time of the radiograph, position during radiograph, presence of fusion, age at the time of fusion, diagnosis of hydrocephalus, tethered cord, or syringomyelia, radiological level of MMC, ambulatory status, main Cobb angle, main curve convexity, and main curve location. Correlation between prevalence of scoliosis and ambulatory status, neurological comorbidities, and radiological level were investigated. Results There were 116 patients remaining, after excluding patients without MMC or useful images. The scoliosis prevalence in MMC patients was 78.4% (95% CI, 71.0-85.8) for Cobb angle >= 10 degrees;60.3% (95% CI, 51.4-69.2) for >= 20 degrees, 52.6% (95% CI, 43.5-61.7) for >= 30 degrees, and 36.6% (95% CI, 27.7-45.5) for an angle >= 40 degrees. Wheelchair users had 4 to 8 times more chance of having scoliosis than patients able to walk on all surfaces without aid. Thoracolumbar and lumbar radiological levels had a slightly higher prevalence of scoliosis than sacral levels. Conclusions The high prevalence of scoliosis warrants a thorough screening and follow-up for MMC. There was no statistically significant difference between hydrocephalus, tethered cord, or syringomyelia regarding scoliosis. Future studies should focus on the interactions of the neurological comorbidities associated with MMC and scoliosis.

关键词： Bacopa monnieri   bioactive   complementary and alternative medicines   neurological disorders   nootropic   phytochemical  

摘要： From ancient history, complementary and alternative medicines have played a significant role as holistic therapeutic treatments of various human diseases including cancer, diabetes, neurological diseases, and skin problems. One Indian medicinal plant (herb), Bacopa monnieri has been used in many parts of the world as such medicine, particularly for the treatment of various neurological disorders. It is well known as a potent "tonic for the human brain," which serves as a memory enhancer. Multiple studies proved that this herb contains a plethora of potential bioactive, phytochemical compounds with synergistic properties. The main purpose of the present review is to shed light on the use of Bacopa monnieri and its active principles (bacosides) in the management of neurological disorders. Furthermore, the signaling pathways modulated by bacosides have been critically discussed in this review. Moreover, we have critically summarized the present knowledge of this perennial creeping herb based upon the literature mining from different scientific engines.