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Background Knowledge about the long-term course of the neurologic component of hand–arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) is scarce. Aims To study the course and prognostic factors of the neurosensory component of HAVS over a period of 22 years. Methods Forty male sheet metal workers, with a mean age of 60 (range 45–78) years at follow-up, were examined with a test battery in 1994 and 2017. At baseline, the sample comprised 27 workers with HAVS symptoms and 13 workers without HAVS symptoms. Among the 27 workers, 25 workers reported work-related hand–arm vibration during follow-up (mean 3639 h). In 2017, the mean time since vibration stopped was 8.4 years. Results Among the 27 workers with HAVS in 1994, no overall statistically significant change was observed in hand numbness (Stockholm Workshop Scale), shoulder/arm pain (pain scale) or finger pain from 1994 to 2017. However, vibration exposure during follow-up was associated with increased finger pain. Cotinine, carbohydrate-deficient transferrin, glycosylated haemoglobin and folate were not associated with changes in neurosensory symptoms or manual dexterity (Grooved Pegboard) from 1994 to 2017. A diagnosis of HAVS in 1994 did not predict poor hand strength 22 years later. Isolated hand numbness (without white finger attacks) was more common at baseline than at follow-up. Conclusions This 22-year follow-up study indicates a tendency towards irreversibility of hand numbness and finger pain in workers with HAVS. Continued vibration exposure seems to predict increased finger pain. Our findings highlight the importance of HAVS prevention.

Background Macular hole (MH) may become refractory if the hole does not close after multiple surgeries. We provide a modified surgical technique for refractory MH repair with neurosensory retinal free flap transplantation. Case presentation To treat a 68-year-old female patient with refractory MH after multiple surgeries, we harvested a neurosensory retinal free flap with a 2-MH diameter area. A drop of whole blood was placed within the MH as an adhesive to fix the neurosensory retinal free flap at the MH under gas tamponade. Two months after surgery, optical coherence tomography (OCT) revealed closure of the MH. The flap was visible on OCT and had filled the MH without overlapping the neurosensory retina. The patient’s best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improved from 20/500 preoperatively to 20/50 at 2 months postoperatively. Conclusions Using whole blood as an adhesive to aid in the fixation of an autologous neurosensory retinal free flap under gas tamponade provides another option for patients with refractory MH due to multiple prior surgeries. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12886-018-0909-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The ocular surface is comprised of the cornea and conjunctiva, which are structures that not only protect the eye but also enable vision. The corneal epithelium is the most superficial layer of the cornea, and therefore first line of defense against external assaults. Damage to this highly specialized structure could lead to vision loss, making it an important structure to investigate and understand. Here, we conducted a search of the current literature on the mechanisms the corneal epithelium has adapted against three frequent insults: UV-radiation, pathogens, and environmental assaults. This review systematically examines the corneal epithelium's response to each assault in order to maintain its role as an invisible shield. The goal of this review is to provide insight into some of the critical functions the corneal epithelium performs that may be valuable to current regenerative studies.

The present paper aims to evaluate the long-term incidence and severity of the neurosensory disturbance (NSD) of the inferior alveolar nerve following bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO) of the mandibular ramus performed with piezosurgery. A retrospective study on patients referred to the Maxillofacial Surgery and Dentistry Clinic of the University of Verona for orthognathic surgery between March 2013 and October 2015 was performed. Inclusion criteria were having undergone BSSO with piezosurgery and follow-up lasting at least 24 months. Exclusion criteria were history of surgical infection, osteosynthesis failure or re-do surgery. The extent of mandibular repositioning movements was retrieved and patients underwent 4 clinical neurosensory tests. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed. 52 patients met the inclusion criteria. Average follow-up was 40 months (range 24-75). 83% of the nerves examined have no or slightly altered sensitivity. Seventy-one percent of patients perceive a moderate to none discomfort and none describes the discomfort as serious (Visual Analogue Scale [VAS] >7). The extent of mandibular repositioning did not have significant influence on the development and severity of the NSD. Resulting data led the Authors to infer that using piezosurgery in BSSO, the severity of the NSD of inferior alveolar nerve is reduced, but the incidence of permanent nerve lesions remains unchanged, compared to historical controls.

ObjectiveAn increasing proportion of fetuses are exposed to antenatal corticosteroids (ACS). Despite their immediate beneficial effects, the long-term safety of ACS has been an ongoing source of concern. In the current study, we assessed the likelihood of neurodevelopmental problems among term infants exposed to ACS earlier in pregnancy compared with non-exposed term infants.DesignRetrospective cohort study (2006–2011). Median duration of follow-up was 7.8 (IQR 6.4–9.2) years.SettingPopulation-based study, Ontario, Canada.ParticipantsAll live singleton infants born at term (≥370/7weeks gestation) (n=529 205).ExposureACS during pregnancy.Primary and secondary outcome measuresA composite of diagnostic or billing codes reflecting proven or suspected neurodevelopmental problems during childhood including audiometry testing, visual testing or physician service claim with a diagnosis code related to a suspected neurocognitive disorder.ResultsAt 5 years of age, the cumulative rate for the primary outcome was higher among infants exposed to ACS compared with non-exposed infants: 61.7% (3346/5423) vs 57.8% (302 520/523 782), respectively (pConclusionsWe found an association among term infants between exposure to ACS during pregnancy and healthcare utilisation during childhood related to suspected neurocognitive and neurosensory disorders.

Objectives Chronic pain syndromes are frequently associated with balance disorders [1] . For example, studies showed a linear relationship between pain and stability [1] in no-specific low back pain [2] . The reexamination of the links between nerves and pain [3] modifies the traditional perception of these chronic pain syndromes without organic cause and these neural dysfunctions. The aim of this communication is to propose a new, original and innovative clinical approach to the management of chronic pain syndrome by the use of postural investigation and neurosensory stimulation. Methods The neurosensory Posturotherapy [3] uses a simple methodology to understand neural physiology through a palpatory sensory evaluation and then to perform manual neurostimulation. These stimulations include the neural saturation of the dysfunctional nerve associated with a sideration of muscles innervated by the nerve being treated. This approach can be completed by plantar neurostimulations inducing postural remediation. Results Firstly, the dysfunction of a nerve is associated with hypertonia of the muscles which it innervates. Secondly, the nervi nervorum compose the intrinsic innervations of nerve sheath. They are polymodal receptors located at the periphery of the nerve sheath. They encode the mechanical information exerted on the nerve. The response of the mechanoreceptors increases with the intensity of the stimulation up to a plateau and then decreases from a threshold value. Thirdly, pressure and vibration, exerted with intensity higher than the threshold value, induces a saturation of the response of the mechanoreceptor. Lastly, the saturation points used by the treatment are most often found at the points of cutaneous emergence of the nerve. Conclusion The neurosensory Posturotherapy is a simple method of diagnosis and treatment of neural dysfunction involved in neuropathic pain and balance disorders. It represents a new therapeutic contribution in the management of subjects with specific chronic pain syndrome.

Neurobehavioral tests are being increasingly used in human risk assessment and there is a strong need for guidance. The field of neurobehavioral toxicology has evolved from research which initially focused on using traditional neuropsychological tests to identify “abnormal cases” to include methods used to detect sub-clinical deficits, to further incorporate the use of neurosensory assessment, and to expand testing from occupational populations to vulnerable populations including older adults and children. Even as exposures in the workplace are reduced, they have been increasing in the environment and research on exposure has now expanded to cross the entire lifetime. These neurobehavioral methods are applied in research and the findings used for regulatory purposes to develop preventative action for exposed populations. This paper reflects a summary of the talks presented at the Neurobehavioral Testing in Human Risk Assessment symposium presented at the 11th meeting of the International Neurotoxicology Association.

Introduction Congenital abnormalities of the inner ear is the most common cause of neurosensory hearing loss. Michel inner ear deformity is a rare developmental anomaly refers to the total aplasia of the inner ear. It is caused by developmental arrest of otic placode early during the third week of gestational age. Case report We have discussed here that three year old girl diagnosed Michel aplasia with temporal bone computed tomography (CT) and temporal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings.

Objetivo: El propósito de nuestro estudio fue conocer el déficit neurosensorial a los 2 años de edad corregida (EC) en niños con antecedentes de muy bajo peso de nacimiento (MBPN) en control en el policlínico de seguimiento del Servicio de Recién Nacidos del Hospital Dr. Sótero del Río, Santiago, Chile. Método y participantes: 254 RN de 268 sobrevivientes de un total de 424 RNMBPN nacidos entre 1994 a 1996 fueron seguidos prospectivamente por un equipo multidisciplinario, que realiza evaluación clínica, neurológica, auditiva y psicomotora. Del grupo en seguimiento: 181 niños, que representa el 71% del grupo, completan adecuadamente los controles. Resultados: Treinta y dos por ciento (59/181) de los niños tiene una evaluación neurosensorial anormal a los 24 meses de EC; 13% (24/181) presenta anormalidad neurosensorial severa: 6,6% (12/181) parálisis cerebral, 6% coeficiente del desarrollo mental menor de 70,3% sordera neurosensorial severa bilateral y 1 presentó ceguera. La mitad de los niños con parálisis cerebral presentan además otra secuela severa. Los factores asociados significativamente con evolución neurosensorial anormal fueron peso de nacimiento menor de 1 000 g, hemorragia intraventricular grados 3 y 4, convulsiones, apneas y ductus. En análisis de regresión logística, la apnea fue significativa e independientemente asociada a evolución neurosensorial anormal Objective: to report the neurosensory disabilities at an corrected age (CA) of 24 months of very low birth weight (VLBW) babies born between 1994 and 1996 in the Neonatal Unit of the Sótero del Río Hospital, Chile. Patients and methods: 254 infants of 268 survivors (95%) from a total of 424 VLBW babies were prospectively followed-up with clinical, neurological, sensory and psychomotor evaluations. 181 children (71%) have completed the 2 year study. Results: 32% (59/181) had an abnormal neurological examination at 24 months, 13% (24/181) had severe disabilities, 6.6% (12/181) cerebral palsy, 6% had a Bayley Mental Developmental Index of less than 70, 3% had severe neurosensory impairment and 1 was blind. About half of the children with cerebral palsy had another disability. Risk factors for severe deficits included a birth weight of less than 1 000gm, intraventricular haemorrhage grade 3-4, seizures, apnoea and a patent ductus. Using a multiple logistic regression analysis to adjust for neurological outcome, apnoea was a high risk factor