Mapping epileptic activity: sources or networks for the clinicians?

Epileptic seizures of focal origin are classically considered to arise from a focal epileptogenic zone and then spread to other brain regions. This is a key concept for semiological electro-clinical correlations, localization of relevant structural lesions, and selection of patients for epilepsy surgery. Recent development in neuro-imaging and electro-physiology and combinations, thereof, have been validated as contributory tools for focus localization. In parallel, these techniques have revealed that widespread networks of brain regions, rather than a single epileptogenic region, are implicated in focal epileptic activity. Sophisticated multimodal imaging and analysis strategies of brain connectivity patterns have been developed to characterize the spatio-temporal relationships within these networks by combining the strength of both techniques to optimize spatial and temporal resolution with whole-brain coverage and directional connectivity. In this paper, we review the potential clinical contribution of these functional mapping techniques as well as invasive electrophysiology in human beings and animal models for characterizing network connectivity.

Physical activity in schizophrenia is higher in the first episode than in subsequent ones

Schizophrenia is frequently associated with abnormal motor behavior, particularly hypokinesia. The course of the illness tends to deteriorate in the first years. We aimed to assess gross motor activity in patients with a first episode (n = 33) and multiple episodes (n = 115) of schizophrenia spectrum disorders using wrist actigraphy. First episode patients were younger, had higher motor activity and reduced negative symptom severity. Covarying for age, chlorpromazine equivalents, and negative symptoms, first episode patients still had higher motor activity. This was also true after excluding patients with schizophreniform disorder from the analyses. In first episode patients, but not in patients with multiple episodes, motor activity was correlated with antipsychotic dosage. In conclusion, after controlling for variables related to disorder chronicity, patients with first episodes were still more active than patients with multiple episodes. Thus, reduced motor activity is a marker of deterioration in the course of schizophrenia spectrum disorders.

Herzunterstützungspumpe (VAD) bei Herzinsuffizienz - Langzeitbetreuung von Patienten mit VAD

In der Schweiz leben aktuell ca. 200 000 Menschen mit einer Herzinsuffizienz. Weltweit sind es zirka 23 Millionen Betroffene (1, 2). Die Prävalenz für eine Herzinsuffizienz steigt durch die höhere Lebenserwartung und die Fortschritte der Medizin. Nach wie vor ist die optimale medikamentöse Therapie (Tab. 1) der erste und wichtigste Eckpfeiler in der Behandlung, um das schwache Herz optimal zu entlasten und zu unterstützen. Die Vermittlung und Schulung der notwendigen Anpassung des Lebensstils durch ausgebildetes Personal im Rahmen einer Herzinsuffizienzberatung gehört ebenso zur Behandlung. So gelingt es, viele Patienten über eine gewisse Zeit zu stabilisieren oder sogar die Herzinsuffizienz zu verbessern. Nichtsdestotrotz handelt es sich in den meisten Fällen um eine fortschreitende Erkrankung.

Switzerland and American Jews

by Sol. M. Stroock

The longitudinal course of gross motor activity in schizophrenia - within and between episodes

Schizophrenia is associated with heterogeneous course of positive and negative symptoms. In addition, reduced motor activity as measured by wrist actigraphy has been reported. However, longitudinal studies of spontaneous motor activity are missing. We aimed to explore whether activity levels were stable within and between psychotic episodes. Furthermore, we investigated the association with the course of negative symptoms. In 45 medicated patients, we investigated motor behavior within a psychotic episode. In addition, we followed 18 medicated patients across 2 episodes. Wrist actigraphy and psychopathological ratings were applied. Within an episode symptoms changed but activity levels did not vary systematically. Activity at baseline predicted the course of negative symptoms. Between two episodes activity recordings were much more stable. Again, activity at the index episode predicted the outcome of negative symptoms. In sum, spontaneous motor activity shares trait and state characteristics, the latter are associated with negative symptom course. Actigraphy may therefore become an important ambulatory instrument to monitor negative symptoms and treatment outcome in schizophrenia.

Della condizione degli ebrei napoletani nel secole XV.

[von] M. Lattès

Documenti e notizie per la storia degli ebrei

[von] M. Lattes

Una convenzione daziaria fermata nel 1395 fra l'inviato veneto in Castiglia ed un ebreo di Burgos

[von] M. Lattes