Validation of targeting the ventrointermediate thalamic nucleus using Q-ball calculation in deep brain stimulation for tremor

Objective: Identification of the ventrointermediate thalamic nucleus (Vim) in modern 3T high-field MRI for image-based targeting in deep brain stimulation (DBS) is still challenging. To evaluate the usefulness and reliability of analyzing the connectivity with the cerebellum using Q-ball-calculation we performed a retrospective analysis. Method: 5 patients who underwent bilateral implantation of electrodes in the Vim for treatment of Essential Tremor between 2011 and 2012 received additional preoperative Q-ball imaging. Targeting was performed according to atlas coordinates and standard MRI. Additionally we performed a retrospective identification of the Vim by analyzing the connectivity of the thalamus with the dentate nucleus. The exact position of the active stimulation contact in the postoperative CT was correlated with the Vim as it was identified by Q-ball calculation. Results: Localization of the Vim by analysis of the connectivity between thalamus and cerebellum was successful in all 5 patients on both sides. The average position of the active contacts was 14.6 mm (SD 1.24) lateral, 5.37 mm (SD 0.094 posterior and 2.21 mm (SD 0.69) cranial of MC. The cranial portion of the dentato-rubro-thalamic tract was localized an average of 3.38 mm (SD 1.57) lateral and 1.5 mm (SD 1.22) posterior of the active contact. Conclusions: Connectivity analysis by Q-ball calculation provided direct visualization of the Vim in all cases. Our preliminary results suggest, that the target determined by connectivity analysis is valid and could possibly be used in addition to or even instead of atlas based targeting. Larger prospective calculations are needed to determine the robustness of this method in providing refined information useful for neurosurgical treatment of tremor.

Die modernen Judenhasser und der Versuch von Julius Lang, das Judenthum mit Richard Wagner zu versöhnen

beleuchtet von E. Liéser

A Missense Change in the ATG4D Gene Links Aberrant Autophagy to a Neurodegenerative Vacuolar Storage Disease.

Inherited neurodegenerative disorders are debilitating diseases that occur across different species. We have performed clinical, pathological and genetic studies to characterize a novel canine neurodegenerative disease present in the Lagotto Romagnolo dog breed. Affected dogs suffer from progressive cerebellar ataxia, sometimes accompanied by episodic nystagmus and behavioral changes. Histological examination revealed unique pathological changes, including profound neuronal cytoplasmic vacuolization in the nervous system, as well as spheroid formation and cytoplasmic aggregation of vacuoles in secretory epithelial tissues and mesenchymal cells. Genetic analyses uncovered a missense change, c.1288G>A; p.A430T, in the autophagy-related ATG4D gene on canine chromosome 20 with a highly significant disease association (p = 3.8 x 10-136) in a cohort of more than 2300 Lagotto Romagnolo dogs. ATG4D encodes a poorly characterized cysteine protease belonging to the macroautophagy pathway. Accordingly, our histological analyses indicated altered autophagic flux in affected tissues. The knockdown of the zebrafish homologue atg4da resulted in a widespread developmental disturbance and neurodegeneration in the central nervous system. Our study describes a previously unknown canine neurological disease with particular pathological features and implicates the ATG4D protein as an important autophagy mediator in neuronal homeostasis. The canine phenotype serves as a model to delineate the disease-causing pathological mechanism(s) and ATG4D function, and can also be used to explore treatment options. Furthermore, our results reveal a novel candidate gene for human neurodegeneration and enable the development of a genetic test for veterinary diagnostic and breeding purposes.

Wie lang noch : from ("Die Zigeinerin")

arr. for piano by J. M. Rumshisky

Die Nationalversammlung aufgelöst: Eine Thronrede: Wenn ich ein König wäre, der noch vor wenigen Wochen in der unseligsten Verblendung 14 Stunden lang sein Volk beschießen ließ ...

Welsch (Projektbearbeiter): Wenn Friedrich Wilhelm IV. seine eigenen Versprechungen vom März 1848 ernst nähme, müßte er seine Minister entlassen, die Nationalversammlung auflösen und selbst zurücktreten: "... das Volk soll Männer berufen, die an den Gräbern des Friedrichshains das Mark der Revolution empfangen." Verfaßt von dem Berliner Philologiestudenten und Aktivisten des Demokratischen Klubs Edmund Monecke und veröffentlicht in der Form einer (fiktiven) Thronrede. Datierung des Flugblatts nach Friedländer, S. 164

An die Urwähler Berlins: Sechs Monate lang tagte die erste Preußische National-Versammlung ...

Welsch (Projektbearbeiter): Appell von 208 unterzeichnenden Berlinern an die Bevölkerung: Festhalten an der konstitutionellen Monarchie sowie an der oktroyierten Verfassung mit der Option, sie zu ergänzen und zu verbessern; Aufrechterhaltung von Gesetz und Ordnung; Förderung von Handel und Gewerbe; Warnung vor der leichten politischen Verführbarkeit großer Volksmassen; Auswahl der Wahlmänner nach Pflichterfüllung, Lebens- und beruflicher Erfahrung, der Abgeordneten nach ihrer Vertrautheit mit öffentlichen, staatlichen und ökonomischen Dingen.

Ms. germ. fol. 44 - Beschreibung zum Gedenken des im Jahr 1785 viel und großen Schnees und lang aushaltender Kälte, als die Ursache der großen Ueberschwemmung der Oder bey Franckfurth und dem Unglücklichen Tode des Herzogs Maximilian Julius Leopold von Braunschweig und Lüneburg

Vorbesitzer: Friedrich Wilhelm Lua; Königlich Preussische Garnisonschule zu Frankfurt/Oder; alte Signatur: Tit.IV Nr. 1; Akzessionsnummer: 51/1040x1